Former UFC champion B.J. Penn made headlines when he disputed the familial relationship with his mother during family court proceedings.
“This doesn’t have to do with the fact of me and Lorraine not being families,”
Penn stated to the judge, referring to his 79-year-old mother, Lorraine Shin. The statement came as Penn questioned why his case was being handled in family court rather than criminal court.
The judge clarified the nature of the proceedings, telling Penn,
“It’s a criminal case in family court, sir.”
Penn, 46, appeared in court following his arrest Thursday for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order. Hawaii Island police took him into custody after responding to a residence on Pu’u’eo Street in Hilo around 11:15 a.m. According to reports, Penn had entered a property in violation of an active restraining order.
Court documents reveal that Shin obtained the temporary restraining order against her son in Third Circuit Family Court in May. She has described experiencing what she terms
“extreme psychological abuse”
from Penn, claiming he has accused her of
“killing his family and taking over his mother’s identity”
and stating that
“he wants me to be removed from his home.”
In court filings, Shin has expressed concern that her son may be suffering from Capgras delusional syndrome, a condition where a person believes that a close acquaintance has been replaced by an identical imposter.
The judge reportedly warned Penn multiple times during today’s proceeding about the importance of seeking legal counsel and applying for a public defender. The restraining order against Penn has reportedly been extended until November 23, requiring him to vacate the Hilo home he shares with his mother.
Following his arrest on Thursday, Penn was processed at the Hilo Police Station and subsequently released after posting $3,000 bail. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking a court-ordered mental health examination for the former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion as legal proceedings continue.
Penn is scheduled to appear back in court on this matter on June 18th.
