Mad Men star Jon Hamm ‘in hazing drama’

JON Hamm was charged with hazing during his university days, reportedly dragging a student around with a hammer to his genitals.

In this publicity image released by AMC, Jon Hamm portrays Don Draper in the AMC series, 'Mad Men'. (AP Photo/AMC)

HE’S the mastermind of advertising spin, the suave Mad Men character who could sell ice to the eskimos.

But now, the actor behind the cult show’s hard-drinking womanising star Don Draper, is in need of his own slick image makeover.

Global Globe winner Jon Hamm appears closer to his iconic character than Hollywood ever suspected after stunning revelations of a hidden shame.

First came news of a stint in rehab for alcohol addiction, and headlines speculating over his relationship with longtime girlfriend, actor and screenwriter Jennifer Westfeldt.

Together for years ... Jon Hamm, left, and long-time partner Jennifer Westfeldt in 2014. Picture: AP

Next, when he should be basking in the publicity glow of the hit show’s final episodes, charges over the violent initiation of a university pledge in 1990 have filled column inches.

“Mad Men’ Shocker! Arrest Warrant Issued For Jon Hamm Over Assault Claims — His Dark Secret Exposed,” screamed Star magazine this week.

In March, the 44-year-old voluntarily checked himself into rehab for 30 days for alcohol abuse, having just weeks before touching on the symmetry between his life and his art.

“Playing this guy does not come without its own difficulties, it’s not fun to live in this guy’s headspace year after year,” he told Variety.

He went on to say: “People ask, “What’s the difference between you and Don?” Look, I drink, I get drunk. I’m not immune to that.

“And (creator) Matt (Weiner) will tell you, the darkness in Don has not abated, it’s gotten worse year after year. It’s relentless. And it can be hard on you as a person.

“I love coming to work; I love the people I work with. But it’s been rough.”

Hazing drama ... Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men. Picture: AP

Journalists were given strict orders to steer clear of the topic of his alcoholism as the rehab news broke just as he hit the publicity circuit for the series’ final run.

But the actor, often crowned the `Sexiest Man Alive’, did offer further clues into the impact of plumbing the depths of such a complex role.

“It is a difficult headspace to be in for a long time,’’ he told the London Evening Standard.

“Acting is not a physically demanding job, like playing professional football, or breaking big rocks into little rocks, but it does take a lot of focus and mental acuity, and it takes an emotional toll. Especially when you’re playing a person with a lot of emotions; you can have a lot of sad days at work.”

Hamm’s reps have denied any fracture in his relationship with Westfeldt, but yesterday were yet to respond to the hazing reports.

Show has ended ... Adam Whitman as Jay Paulson, left, and Don Draper, portrayed by Jon Hamm in Mad Men. Picture: AP

Court documents surfacing in US media this week reveal Hamm was involved in a brutal pledge ritual on November 10, 1990, during his time at the University of Texas.

A fraternity member was repeatedly beaten and dragged around with a hammer, according to Travis County Court documents.

Star magazine alleges that Hamm and fellow Sigma Nu frat brothers struck Mark Saunders with a wooden paddle more than 30 times, picked him up by his underwear and “pulled it back and forth in a sawing motion”.

The reports say Hamm set the pledge’s pants on fire and made him blow out the flames.

Hamm, then aged 20, later “hooked the claw of a hammer underneath [the pledge’s] genitals and led him by the hammer around the room”, media report.

Arrest warrants were issued for Hamm and seven other members with three sentenced to 30 days in jail for hazing.

But documents show Hamm’s charges for misdemeanour hazing and assault were later dismissed after he reached a plea deal.

Iconic role ... Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men. Picture: Supplied

The incident happened years before the Emmy-nominee shot to fame, but the extent of his involvement have only been aired this week.

The son of a trucking company owner and a secretary grew up in St Louis, Missouri, tragically losing his mother to cancer at the age of 10, and his father ten years later.

He trod a typical path to Hollywood, moving to LA at 24 with just $150 in his wallet, waiting tables and bartending to pay the bills.

He battled to get a foothold in the early days, being ditched by his agents and resolving to walk away by 30 if he didn’t hit the big time.

But his break finally came in 2007 with Mad Men for which auditioned six times, on the heels of small parts in TV shows like CSI and Gilmore Girls, and an 18 episode stint in Providence.

Draper, a Madison Ave ad man with a hidden past, has been described as one of the most intriguing on the small screen.

Fans are ruing the end of an era as the final seven episodes of the critically acclaimed show are rolled out in the US.

But as the series draws to a close, it’s the shocking chapter from his personal life which have been cast up in lights.

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Originally published as Mad Men star Jon Hamm ‘in hazing drama’