The millionaire CEO who snatched a hat from a young fan at the US Open has issued a grovelling apology.
Polish magnate Piotr Szczerek admitted that he made “a huge mistake” when he swiped the hat away from the child – later identified as a boy named Brock – moments after Kamil Majchrzak’s five-set victory.
Footage of the incident went viral on social media, with viewers blasting the move as “disgusting” and “bullying".
According to The Sun, Szczerek finally addressed the incident on his Facebook page, writing: “Due to the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to clearly apologize to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself. I have made a huge mistake."
The businessman explained that he believed the player was gesturing to his sons: “In emotions, in the crowd rejoicing after the victory, I was convinced the tennis player tips his hat in my direction - to my sons who have asked for autographs earlier.
"The misconception caused me to pull out my hand. Today I know I did something that looked like a deliberate collection of the child's souvenir.”
He added: “This was not my intention, but it doesn't change the fact I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.
"The hat was given to the boy, and apologies to the family.
"I hope. Just Partly. I have repaired the hurt that has been done.”
He also clarified that this was his official response, as there was a fake statement circulating on social media.
"I also want to make it clear, neither myself, nor my wife, nor my sons have commented on this situation on social media as well as on any portal," he said.
"We have not used the services of any office legal in this regard. All alleged statements appearing online are not ours."
The apology comes after Majchrzak himself tracked down the youngster, later posting a photo with Brock and writing: “It was a very nice meeting. I wanted to meet the boy Brock and his family and just try to make things right for him.”
The 29-year-old athlete previously explained the mix-up, telling The New York Post: “I was pointing, giving the hat, but I had a lot going on after my match, after being super tired and super excited for the win.
"I just missed it. I had like a dead look if you know what I mean. I’m sure the guy was also acting in the moment of heat, in the moment of emotions.”
Majchrzak revealed he had given Brock another cap thanks to @asicstennis, and confirmed he had passed along Brock’s mom’s contact details so Szczerek could make amends.
Meanwhile, backlash against the businessman has spread beyond tennis circles.
Szczerek’s paving company, Drogbruk, has been hit with a wave of negative reviews, dropping to 1.4 stars on Google. Trustpilot even shut down the company’s page “due to media attention.”
Szczerek acknowledged the fallout in his statement: “For years, my wife and I have been engaged in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown I think that one moment of disregard can ruin years of work and support.
"It hurts for me, but a needed lesson in humility. I believe that only through actions can rebuild what has been lost trust.”
“Again, I'm sorry to anyone I disappointed. Please understand - for my family's sake - I decided to turn off the option comments on this post," he concluded.