B.J. Penn, the former UFC champion, has stirred significant controversy and concern following alarming claims he made on social media. On March 11, 2025, he posted disturbing videos on Instagram alleging his mother, Lorraine Shin, had been murdered and replaced by an impostor.
These claims left fans unsettled as Penn, 46, asserted the woman residing in his family home was not his real mother. "This lady right here, look at her ass and legs. She is acting like my 79-year-old mother, but she is not my 79-year-old mother," he disclosed candidly in one of the videos.
Penn didn’t stop there. He took to his caption to make explicit accusations against two individuals, Paul Abiley and Carlos Riveira, claiming they were part of a conspiracy involving the government to eliminate his mother and brother. "F*ck the Abiley Family. Paul Abiley (Carlos Riveira) with the help of the government murdered my mom and brother!!!! Like & Share. They are trying to steal everything from my family," he declared fervently. His assertions point to growing paranoia, with Penn indicating he believes there are ulterior motives behind the accusations against him and his family.
The situation escalated as Penn warned the local police, explicitly stating, "Hilo police, this lady is not Lorraine Shin! She is at our Penn family house right now #hawaii." This invocation of law enforcement added yet another layer of urgency to his already precarious allegations.
This isn’t the first time Penn's behavior has raised eyebrows. His recent outbursts have sparked widespread concern among fans and the mixed martial arts (MMA) community, with many speculating about his mental well-being. These developments have reignited discussions about the long-term effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is often associated with athletes who have endured repeated head injuries, as Penn certainly has during his extensive and combative MMA career.
Previous incidents have painted him as troubled. Penn's history is dotted with alarming run-ins with the law, including an arrest for assault after a bar brawl in Kihei, Hawaii, back in 2015. The situation escalated again; by 2019, Penn’s estranged girlfriend filed a restraining order, alleging years of physical and sexual abuse. Such incidents led to his release from the UFC later the same year, and when he attempted to transition to politics by running for governor of Hawaii, he lost to former Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona, filing complaints with the state’s Supreme Court afterwards.
The alarming nature of Penn’s online posts has drawn comments from fans who expressed real concern. One fan remarked, "This is probably the saddest case of CTE ever in MMA," encapsulating the sentiment many feel. Others likened his strange comments to the actions of someone struggling with substance abuse; yet, there remains no evidence to support such claims.
Throughout his career, Penn has enjoyed moments of glory but has also faced intense scrutiny due to his erratic behavior post-retirement. These videos and the accusations contained therein suggest another escalation of troubling conduct. While fans have rallied to express their worry, the general consensus is clear: intervention is needed to address his mental state.
Many from the MMA community are calling for Penn to seek professional help. Observing him from afar, they see not just the fighter they revered but also the man increasingly caught up in paranoia and troubling allegations. Penn's latest episodes could signify the pressing need for not only personal help but also broader discussions around the support systems available for athletes during and after their careers.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there has not yet been any official comment from Penn’s family or legal representatives. With the situation continuing to evolve, it’s imperative for those close to him or involved to take steps toward ensuring Penn receives the help he undeniably needs.
Fans, family, and supporters are left hoping for Penn to find his way back, away from conspiracy theories and distressing allegations and, most significantly, toward establishing his mental well-being. Wrestling with the ghosts of his past should not overshadow the legacy he has built nor the respect he has garnered within the sport. Time will reveal how this dramatic narrative continues to unfurl.