Piotr Szczerek, a wealthy CEO, publicly apologized after mistakenly taking a cap from a young boy during Kamil Majchrzak’s match at the US Open, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging the disappointment he caused, while vowing to learn from this incident and increase his involvement in supporting children and young athletes.

 

Who is Piotr Szczerek? Polish CEO issues grovelling apology for snatching  tennis star's hat from child fan at US Open | The Independent

 

In a shocking incident that unfolded during Kamil Majchrzak’s match at the US Open, Piotr Szczerek, the multi-millionaire CEO known for his philanthropic efforts, found himself at the center of a media storm after allegedly stealing a cap from a young boy in the stands.

The event, which took place on September 1, 2025, has raised questions about celebrity behavior and accountability at high-profile sporting events.

The incident occurred when Szczerek, who was attending the match with his family, became overly excited after witnessing Majchrzak’s performance.

As the Polish player celebrated a pivotal point, he tossed his cap into the crowd, a gesture meant to connect with fans.

Unfortunately, Szczerek, caught up in the moment, mistakenly believed the cap was intended for him.

In a split second, he reached out and grabbed the cap from the young boy sitting nearby, who had been eagerly waiting to catch a souvenir from the match.

Witnesses reported a mix of shock and disbelief as the boy’s face fell, realizing that his chance to receive a cherished memento had been snatched away.

The boy’s father, visibly upset, confronted Szczerek, who initially seemed unaware of the gravity of his actions.

As the situation escalated, the crowd began to murmur, and cameras captured the moment, leading to widespread outrage on social media.

 

Tennis star's cap snatched from child in viral video

In the aftermath of the incident, Szczerek faced significant backlash, prompting him to issue a formal apology on his company’s website.

In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his remorse, saying, “Due to the situation that occurred during Kamil Majchrzak’s match at the US Open, I would like to offer my sincere apology to the injured boy, his family, all the fans, and the player himself.

I made a grave mistake.

In the midst of my emotions, amidst the crowd’s celebration after my victory, I believed the tennis player was handing his cap to me—for my sons, who had previously asked for autographs.

This mistaken belief caused me to instinctively reach out.”

Szczerek acknowledged the hurt he caused, stating, “Today I know I did something that seemed like deliberately taking a souvenir from a child.

It wasn’t my intention, but that doesn’t change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.”

He further revealed that he had since reached out to the boy and his family, returning the cap and offering a personal apology.

The apology, however, was not just about the cap.

 

Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek, who snatched hat from boy at US Open, finally  apologizes: 'A necessary lesson in humility'

 

Szczerek reflected on the broader implications of his actions, admitting, “For years, my wife and I have been involved in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown me that one moment of inattention can undo years of work and support.

This is a painful but necessary lesson in humility.

” He vowed to become more actively engaged in initiatives supporting children and young people, as well as actions against violence and hate.

The incident has sparked a heated debate about the behavior of public figures at sporting events.

Many fans expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that such actions, especially from someone in Szczerek’s position, set a poor example.

Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, ranging from outrage to calls for accountability.

Some users took to Twitter to share their thoughts, with one fan tweeting, “How can a CEO be so out of touch? This is a lesson in humility that he clearly needs.”

As the dust settles, Szczerek’s company has faced scrutiny as well, with questions arising about how such behavior reflects on their corporate values.

 

Viral: Drogbruk CEO Piotr Szczerek receives social media backlash for  stealing young US Open fan's cap | - The Times of India

 

Industry experts suggest that this incident could impact Szczerek’s reputation and his company’s image, potentially affecting their philanthropic endeavors.

The fallout from this event serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals are not immune to making mistakes, and the importance of accountability in the public eye.

In closing his statement, Szczerek reiterated his commitment to rebuilding trust, stating, “I believe that only through actions can I rebuild the trust I have lost.

I apologize once again to everyone I have disappointed.”

As the tennis community and fans reflect on this incident, many are left wondering how Szczerek will follow through on his promise of change and whether this moment will serve as a turning point in his approach to philanthropy and public engagement.

The incident at the US Open has not only highlighted the importance of humility and responsibility among public figures but also sparked a broader conversation about the expectations placed on celebrities in the spotlight.

As Szczerek navigates the aftermath, the world will be watching closely to see how he transforms this moment of controversy into an opportunity for growth and positive change.