CEO's U.S. Open Hat Snag Sparks Debate on Power and Etiquette

A millionaire CEO who made headlines after grabbing a signed hat from a child at the U.S. Open has issued an apology, admitting he made a “huge mistake.” The incident occurred following a match at the U.S. Open in New York, where Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak had intended to give the hat to a young fan named Brock [1]. However, the hat was instead taken by Piotr Szczerek, a Polish entrepreneur and CEO of a paving company, who was later identified as the individual in the viral video [2].

Szczerek initially faced widespread backlash online for his actions, with many viewers criticizing his behavior as inconsiderate and in poor taste. In response, he initially retorted with a statement suggesting the child should have been quicker, and even hinted at legal action against critics. However, after days of public scrutiny, Szczerek issued a more conciliatory statement on social media. He acknowledged the misunderstanding, explaining that he had thought Majchrzak was giving the hat to him for his sons, who had previously asked for autographs [1]. Despite this, he admitted that the perception of his actions was hurtful and apologized to Brock, his family, and the tennis player.

Kamil Majchrzak used social media to seek the child’s identity after watching the viral clip and successfully reconnected with Brock. During their meeting before Majchrzak’s final match, the player presented the child with a new hat and additional gifts. Majchrzak also shared a photo of their encounter on Instagram with the caption, “Hello World, Together with Brock we wish you a great day!” [1].

The incident has sparked broader discussions about fan behavior at major sporting events and the appropriate conduct of high-profile individuals in public settings. Social media users have widely shared the video, with many emphasizing the importance of respecting young fans and their interactions with athletes. The U.S. Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, has seen its share of viral moments in the past, but this particular episode has drawn significant attention due to its emotional and controversial nature.

Szczerek’s apology, while late, has helped to quell some of the immediate backlash. Nonetheless, the event highlights the potential reputational risks for public figures, especially those in high-status professions, when they act in ways perceived as inconsiderate or dismissive of others. For Majchrzak, the incident ended on a positive note, with him managing to restore the goodwill he had initially extended to the young fan.

Source: [1] Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak meets young fan Brock (https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/us-open-tennis-hat-kamil-majchrzak/story?id=125154506) [2] Polish millionaire apologizes after snatching signed hat (https://abc7.com/post/video-goes-viral-polish-millionaire-snatches-signed-hat-child-us-open/17707472/)