In a shocking turn of events, Jon Hamm, the actor known for his role in Mad Men, has been charged for his alleged involvement in a violent fraternity hazing incident.
The incident occurred in November 1990 when Hamm was a second-year student at the University of Texas.
According to court and school records discovered by Star magazine, Hamm, then 19 years old, participated in a brutal initiation ritual that led to a lawsuit, criminal charges, and the disbandment of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
The victim, Mark Sanders, who was 20 at the time, claimed that he endured a lengthy and violent hazing ritual that included being dragged through the frat-house with a hammer and having his pants set on fire.
Sanders filed a lawsuit in 1991, alleging that Hamm became enraged when he was unable to recite certain details about the fraternity members.
Sanders stated that Hamm hit him forcefully in the kidney, causing him great pain.
Hamm and other fraternity members allegedly lifted Sanders by his underwear and moved it back and forth in a sawing motion before setting his jeans on fire.
Sanders also claimed that he was beaten with a paddle and forced to walk around the fraternity house with the claw of a hammer beneath his genitals.
As a result of the incident, an arrest warrant was issued for Hamm in 1993, and he was charged with hazing.
However, he was able to avoid conviction by completing probation.
Another assault charge against Hamm was dismissed.
Four other fraternity members were also charged with hazing, and the university’s Sigma Nu chapter was shut down.
Hamm’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
In a 2008 interview with W magazine, Hamm mentioned that he left the University of Texas during his second year after his father passed away.
At the time, he admitted to being more focused on partying and casual relationships than pursuing an acting career.
Last month, his publicist announced that Hamm had completed a 30-day rehab program for alcohol addiction.
The timing of these revelations is particularly notable as Mad Men airs its final episodes on Sky Atlantic.
Fraternities in colleges have been making headlines recently, with one at the University of Oklahoma being banned after a video surfaced showing members singing a racist song.
This incident involving Jon Hamm serves as a reminder of the darker side of fraternity culture and the harm that can be inflicted during hazing rituals.
It raises questions about the responsibility of universities and Greek organizations in preventing and addressing such dangerous practices.
The impact of these allegations on Hamm’s career remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly cast a shadow over his reputation.
