'Mad Men' star Hamm accused in hazing suit.

• Author: Weber, Paul J.
• Position: News

Byline: Paul J. Weber

AUSTIN, Texas -- ''Mad Men'' star Jon Hamm took part in a violent college hazing in 1990 at the University of Texas that led to criminal charges and to the fraternity chapter permanently disbanding, according to court and school records obtained Thursday.

The Emmy-nominated actor had not previously been publicly linked to a lawsuit filed by a Sigma Nu pledge who said he was severely beaten, dragged by a hammer and had his pants lit on fire. In the 1991 lawsuit, the pledge said Hamm participated ''till the very end.''

Criminal records show Hamm, now 44, was charged with hazing and received deferred adjudication, which under Texas law means he had to successfully complete probation but was never convicted. A separate charge of assault was dismissed.

Representatives for Hamm and ''Mad Men'' creator Matthew Weiner did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

None of the records were sealed, but Hamm was not famous when the incident happened and his connection to the case didn't come to light until Star magazine reported on it this week.

The case resurfaced just as the critically acclaimed ''Mad Men'' begins airing its final season on...