Court and school records reveal that Emmy-nominated actor and ‘Mad Men’ star, Jon Hamm, was involved in a violent college hazing incident in 1990 at the University of Texas.
The incident resulted in criminal charges and the permanent disbanding of the fraternity chapter involved.
Until now, Hamm had not been publicly linked to a lawsuit filed by a Sigma Nu pledge who claimed to have been severely beaten and subjected to various forms of abuse, including being dragged by a hammer and having his pants set on fire.
According to the lawsuit, Hamm participated in the hazing “till the very end.”
Hamm was charged with hazing, as indicated by criminal records, and received deferred adjudication under Texas law, meaning he had to successfully complete probation but was never convicted.
An assault charge against him was dismissed.
Representatives for Hamm and ‘Mad Men’ creator Matthew Weiner did not provide any comment regarding the allegations.
Although none of the records were sealed, Hamm’s involvement in the case only came to light this week when Star magazine reported on it.
This revelation coincides with the final season of the critically acclaimed TV show, ‘Mad Men.’
The lawsuit states that Hamm became enraged when the Sigma Nu pledge failed to recite information about Hamm and other fraternity members.
Hamm’s list included references to “Young Bobby,” ‘MC Hammer,’ and “UT Football Punching Bag.”
In response, Hamm allegedly set the pledge’s jeans on fire, shoved his face in dirt, and struck him with a paddle.
According to Mark Allen Sanders, the pledge, Hamm’s strike to his kidney required medical attention, leading to his withdrawal from the university.
The lawsuit was dismissed in 1993, and attempts to contact Sanders were unsuccessful.
Four other fraternity members faced misdemeanor hazing charges and pleaded no contest.
As a result, the Sigma Nu chapter was permanently closed.
University records indicate that Hamm attended the University of Texas in the fall of 1989 and left after the same semester when the hazing incident occurred.
In a 2008 interview with W Magazine, Hamm revealed that he left school during his sophomore year following his father’s death and returned to his home state of Missouri.
In March, Hamm completed a rehabilitation program for alcohol addiction, as announced by his representatives.
