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A police report has been filed in Ohio alleging that former UFC champ B.J. Penn sexually assaulted a 29-year-old woman last August in Hilo, Hawaii. The matter has been referred to Hawaiian authorities for further investigation.
Bloody Elbow has the report and you can Police report redacted . We have redacted the accuser's name because Vox Media does not publish the name of victims of sexual assault without their direct permission. It should be noted that the report includes very little information and does not name Penn.
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Bloody Elbow first reported that allegations against Penn had been made on Tuesday by a former employee.
Brett Okamoto of ESPN tweeted today's news.
Confirmed there is an investigation in Hilo, Hawaii regarding Penn and an alleged assault of a 29-year-old female https://t.co/xxTv1t1gJ3
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 18, 2016
Note, should say there is a *pending* investigation in Hawaii on Penn. A report was made in Ohio and is being referred to Hawaii PD.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 18, 2016
Last note on Penn accusation. Report was made in Ohio on Tuesday. Assault allegedly took place early morning, Aug. 31, 2015 in Hawaii.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 18, 2016
The UFC has issued a statement.
"UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn. The organization requires all athletes who compete in the UFC to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as detailed in the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC will not tolerate violations of the policy. Every athlete is deserving of proper review and this situation, as with any serious allegation, will be investigated by an independent party and thoroughly reviewed by the UFC. The UFC organization will also cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. In light of the serious allegations, UFC has postponed plans to book Penn for an upcoming bout until more details are determined.
"UFC holds athletes who compete in the organization to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action, if and when warranted. It is important to note that Penn is considered innocent until proven guilty and UFC is not prejudging this matter."
Bloody Elbow will continue to report on this story as new developments occur.
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