Millionaire CEO Piotr Szczerek named as US Open hat snatcher as he issues groveling apology

Millionaire CEO Piotr Szczerek named as US Open hat snatcher as he issues groveling apology

Tennis fans have bombarded a man's business after he was spotted snatching a player's hat away from a young fan in a now-viral video that has sparked outrage across the sport

The moment was caught on video and quickly went viral on social media

The man at the center of a US Open controversy, when he was filmed snatching a hat away from a young boy’s hands, has issued an apology for his behavior.

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The viral video appeared to show Kamil Majchrzak giving his hat to a boy in the crowd, but before the child could take it, it was grabbed by a man standing next to him, who refused to hand it over despite the young fan's pleas. Majchrzak branded the act 'disgusting' and managed to get a souvenir for the young fan.

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The man in the clip has been identified as Piotr Szczerek, a millionaire Polish CEO of paving company Drogbruk. A statement has now been posted on his Facebook page, admitting that a 'huge mistake' was made.

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It read: "In connection with the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to unequivocally apologize to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself.

"I was convinced that the tennis player was passing his hat in my direction - for my sons who had asked for autographs earlier.

"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.

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"The hat was given to the boy, and I apologize to the family. I hope I've at least partially repaired the damage that was done.

An earlier post appeared online, alleging to be from Szczerek, with a brutal response of 'first come first served' but the Facebook statement denies such claims.

It adds: "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. We have not used the services of any law firm in this regard. All alleged statements appearing on the web are not from us.

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"For years, my wife and I have been engaged in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown me that a single moment of indifference can destroy years of work and support. It hurts for me, but it is lesson in humility.

"That's why I will be even more actively involved in initiatives that support children and adolescents and actions against violence and hate. I believe that only through actions can rebuild trust that has been lost. Again, I'm sorry to anyone I disappointed."

The man quickly put the hat in his bag

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It comes after fans flooded the Polish paving company with negative reviews. Since the clip went viral, tennis fans have flooded his business’ Google page with negative reviews, bringing its rating down to 1.3 stars.

"One reviewer said: “You can't make them any lower than someone who steals right from a child's hand.” Another posted that Szczerek needed a “reality check” and someone else simply wrote: “No integrity.” The Mirror has contacted the paving company for comment.

After the moment with the cap went viral online, Majchrzak shared a post asking fans to help him track down the young boy. He wrote: "After the match I didn't record that my cap didn't get to the boy. Thanks to @asicstennis I've got enough caps, so I'm prepared for that."

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Majchrzak added: “Hey guys, could you help me find the kid from my match. If it's you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM."

The tennis pro then updated fans to let them know he had found the boy, sharing a video of them meeting at Flushing Meadows. He added the caption: "Today after warm up I had a nice meeting. Do you recognise?"

Fans reacted to the moment online, with one writing: “The power of the internet - you love to see it!” Another said: “The best part is this young man had a much more meaningful moment with Kamil. Handshakes, pictures and a little time to chat. And he got a hat!”

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