Actor Jon Hamm, best known for his role in the television series Mad Men, is now facing charges for his alleged involvement in a violent fraternity hazing incident.
The incident took place in November 1990, when Hamm was a student at the University of Texas.
According to court and school records discovered by Star magazine, Hamm, then 19 years old, participated in the hazing of a fellow student named Mark Sanders.
Sanders, who was a pledge for the Sigma Nu fraternity, claimed that he was subjected to a brutal ritual that involved being dragged through the frat-house with a hammer and having his trousers set on fire.
A lawsuit filed in 1991 stated that Hamm became furious when Sanders failed to recite certain details about the fraternity members.
Sanders alleged that Hamm hit him forcefully and lifted him into the air by his underwear before setting his jeans on fire.
The incident also involved other fraternity members, who were charged alongside Hamm.
Hamm was issued an arrest warrant in 1993 and was charged with hazing.
However, he reached a deal that allowed him to complete probation without being convicted.
A separate assault charge against Hamm was dismissed.
The Sigma Nu chapter at the University of Texas was closed, and four other fraternity members were also charged with hazing.
In a 2008 interview with W magazine, Hamm mentioned leaving the University of Texas after his father’s death and returning to his family home in Missouri.
He admitted to being preoccupied with partying and pursuing women at the time.
Last month, Hamm’s publicist announced that the actor had completed a 30-day rehab program for alcohol addiction.
The resurgence of this case has coincided with the final episodes of Mad Men airing on Sky Atlantic.
College fraternities have been making headlines recently, with one at the University of Oklahoma being banned due to a video showing members singing a racist song.
Representatives for Hamm have yet to comment on the recent revelations.
