Polish CEO Apologizes for Snatching Hat From Child at US Open

SEP 2 2025·Updated SEP 3 2025

Story

Above: Kamil Majchrzak of Poland triumphed over Karen Khachanov in the Men's Singles Second Round match at the 2025 U.S. Open in Queens, New York City, on Aug. 28, 2025. Image credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The Facts

Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek was filmed grabbing a signed hat from tennis player Kamil Majchrzak that was intended for a young boy named Brock during the U.S. Open last Thursday after Majchrzak defeated Karen Khachanov.
The Associated Press
The New York Times
Breitbart
Szczerek, who runs paving company Drogbruk with his wife Anna since 1999, posted an apology on social media Monday, claiming he mistakenly believed Majchrzak was giving him the hat for his sons, who had earlier requested autographs.
The Independent
Newsweek
The viral video showed Szczerek stuffing the hat into his wife's bag while the boy protested, leading to widespread online criticism and negative reviews that dropped his company's Google rating to 1.3 stars.
The Independent
The US Sun
Majchrzak used social media to locate the boy and met with him Saturday to give him a new signed hat and other gifts after his practice session.
People
The Guardian
New York Post
Szczerek clarified that fake statements circulating online claiming he and his wife were pursuing legal action against critics were not authentic, and he disabled comments on his apology post for his family's safety.
LADbible
The US Sun
Szczerek has stated that he plans to engage more actively in initiatives supporting children and youth to rebuild lost trust from the controversy.
Us Weekly
Newsweek

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This whole situation got blown way out of proportion by social media outrage culture. Szczerek made an honest mistake in the heat of the moment after his countryman’s significant victory, genuinely believing that the hat was intended for his sons, who had earlier requested autographs. Szczerek later offered a personal apology to the boy and his family, demonstrating that his apology was sincere.

E! Online

LADbible

Narrative B

There's no excuse for an adult snatching a souvenir away from a child, especially when the boy was clearly protesting and asking what he was doing. The video shows Szczerek deliberately ignoring the child's pleas and stuffing the hat into his wife's bag, demonstrating selfish behavior that reflects poorly on his character and business values.