A Polish businessman has publicly apologized after a controversial incident at the US Open where he snatched a cap from a young boy. The event, which was captured on video, shows Piotr Szczerek taking the cap from the child, despite the boy’s protests. Szczerek admitted that his actions were a “huge mistake” and expressed regret over what he described as a “single moment of indifference.”
The cap belonged to Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak, who was reportedly holding it out to the boy when Szczerek intervened. The footage of the incident has gone viral, prompting widespread criticism of Szczerek for his behavior. As the video circulated on social media, many users condemned the businessman for his actions and expressed concern for the young boy.
In his apology, Szczerek stated that he believed the cap was being given to him by Majchrzak due to his sons’ earlier requests for autographs. He reflected on the potential damage this incident could cause to his reputation and his years of work supporting young athletes. Szczerek is the chief executive of Drogbruk, a paving company based in Poland, and is now facing backlash that may affect his business.
As the incident gained traction online, Kamil Majchrzak reached out via social media in an effort to connect with the boy and his family. Later that day, the tennis player met with the young fan at the US Open, gifting him a new cap and sharing the moment on his Instagram account. This gesture has been positively received and has helped to alleviate some of the negative sentiment surrounding the initial incident.
Szczerek posted an apology on Facebook on September 4, 2023, but disabled comments to avoid further backlash. The incident raises questions about public behavior and the responsibilities of adults in the presence of children, especially during high-profile events such as the US Open.
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the impact that social media can have on individuals and businesses alike, illustrating how quickly public opinion can shift in the digital age.
