US Open Hat Snatcher Piotr Szczerek Vows to Help Kids and Fund Anti-Violence Programs After Global Fury

A moment meant to celebrate sportsmanship at the US Open turned into an international scandal after Piotr Szczerek, CEO of Polish paving firm Drogbruk, was spotted pulling a signed tennis cap out of a fan's hands.

The cap that was handed to Polish player Kamil Majchrzak after he won against Karen Khachanov was clearly destined for a young fan who was christened Brock. But while the lad was about to accept it in his hands, Szczerek handed over and stowed the hat into his partner's bag.

The nationally televised event was widely circulated on social media, causing a backlash of criticism. One viral message accused Szczerek of 'selfish' behaviour and of denying a child a lifetime opportunity.

Drogbruk's reputation was hammered on the internet, and review sites like Yelp and Trustpilot were deluged with one-star ratings.

Public Apology and Pledge to Make Amends

Following days of backlash, Szczerek issued a public apology via social media. In the statement, originally written in Polish, he described the incident as a 'grave mistake' and said he had returned the cap to the boy.

'I was convinced that the tennis player was passing the cap to me—for my sons, who had previously asked for autographs earlier,' Szczerek explained. 'Today, I know I did something that seemed like consciously collecting a memento from a child. This wasn't my intention, but it doesn't change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.'

Szczerek also stated that he had blocked comments on the post to protect his family from further abuse.

From Shame to Social Responsibility

In a follow-up statement, Szczerek announced plans to fund anti-violence programmes and initiatives for children, in what he described as an effort to turn a personal failure into a public good. While details remain sparse, he has pledged to support youth outreach efforts in Poland and abroad, focusing on access to sports, emotional resilience, and conflict resolution.

'I take full responsibility for my abysmal judgment and hurtful actions,' he wrote. 'I hope, at least to a small extent, I was able to repair the harm I caused.

'From now on, I will engage even more actively in initiatives that support children and youth, and I will take actions against violence and hate. I believe that only through actions can I rebuild the trust I have lost.'

The move has been met with mixed reactions. Some commentators have praised the gesture as a step toward accountability, while others remain sceptical, viewing it as a PR manoeuvre to salvage his reputation.

Tennis Star Steps In to Heal the Moment

Kamil Majchrzak, the player at the centre of the viral hat-snatching incident, responded with grace and generosity. After learning what had happened, he reunited with the young fan, Brock, and gifted him a new signed cap along with other merchandise.

Majchrzak shared a photo of their meeting on his Instagram story, captioned: 'Hello World, together with Brock we wish you a great day!' The gesture was widely praised as a thoughtful way to restore the moment and honour the fan's experience.

Majchrzak also confirmed that Szczerek is a sponsor of the Polish tennis federation, adding another layer of complexity to the controversy.

Corporate Reputation in the Age of Virality

The incident highlights how quickly personal actions can become corporate crises. Szczerek's behaviour, though not illegal, was widely viewed as unethical and emblematic of entitlement. In the digital age, such moments are amplified instantly, often with lasting consequences for both individuals and the brands they represent.

As Newsweek noted, 'The personal misdemeanours of executives, when made public, often become linked with their corporate responsibilities, eroding trust in the business and potentially affecting bottom lines.'

Whether Szczerek's philanthropic pledges will be enough to restore public trust remains to be seen. But the message is clear: in today's hyper-visible world, character counts and cameras are always rolling.