MMA legend BJ Penn has been taken into custody following allegations of abuse against a family or household member.
Over the years, the former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion has exhibited concerning behavior, especially online.
On social media, Penn has shared a series of unsettling posts, alleging that his mother, Lorraine Shin, and other relatives were murdered and replaced by imposters aiming to take his money and possessions.
The Hawaiian fighter was reportedly jailed last Sunday on suspicion of “abuse of family or household member: offensive physical contact”.
According to records, the 46-year-old was released early Monday morning after posting a £1484 ($2000) bail bond.
Penn has not yet issued an official statement regarding the accusation, but he did post footage online showing police attempting to arrest him in his bedroom.
In the video, Penn is shown in bed, asking the police why they are arresting him.
Police then informed him he was being arrested for harassment and proceeded to remove him from his room.
A seemingly confused Penn repeatedly questioned the officers about the situation before ultimately being led out of the house in handcuffs.
Penn has had multiple encounters with law enforcement in recent years.
In 2019, a temporary restraining order was filed against him by his former girlfriend, who alleged verbal, physical, and sexual abuse during their ten-year relationship.
His recent interactions with police have been frequent enough that he reportedly asked officers during his latest arrest, “Can we call an officer that I know?”
It has since emerged that a restraining order request filed by Penn`s mother was the reason for the Hall of Famer`s arrest.
In the request, which a judge has not yet ruled on, Shin stated her son has subjected her to “extreme psychological abuse” over several months, claiming she is not Lorraine Shin.
[Penn`s alleged claims] include accusations that she killed his family, took over his mother`s identity, and that he wants her removed from his home.
Shin believes Penn`s actions, amid multiple ongoing legal cases against him, may stem from Capgras delusion syndrome.
An excerpt from her restraining order request reads: “I believe my son [B.J. Penn] is suffering from Capgras delusional syndrome (a psychiatric disorder where a person believes an identical imposter has replaced a friend, spouse, parent, or other close family member).”
[Shin`s request quotes Penn saying] “He believes I`m an imposter who has killed his family to gain control of the family assets.”
For my safety, I ask the court for a six-month temporary restraining order and that my son be ordered to seek medical treatment or other therapy.
