To say the optics were not good for Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek is an understatement.
Now, he is apologizing after grabbing a hat signed by tennis star Kamil Majchrzak that was intended for a young boy at the U.S. Open Thursday, per the New York Post.
Szczerek, the head paving stone company Drogbruk, said he made a “serious mistake” and thought the hat was meant for him. The incident was caught on video and made Szczerek into a villian by depriving the child the hat.
“I would like to unequivocally apologize to the boy who was harmed, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself,” Szczerek wrote on Instagram Saturday. “I made a serious mistake.”
“In the emotions, in the crowd’s joy after the victory, I was convinced that the tennis player was handing the cap in my direction — for my sons, who had earlier asked for autographs,” Szczerek added. “It is a painful but necessary lesson in humility for me.”
Szczerek said he has since apologized to the boy and his family for his actions.
Szczerek also said he and his family have commented on the situation previously.
There have been viral posts purporting to be him and mocking the situation.
Several people took to social media and proclaimed their anger towards the millionaire.
“Piotr SZCZEREK, the Polish CEO of Drogbruk, stole a hat from a child on live video,” one person wrote. “Now SZCZEREK says the hat was given to HIM, not to the child.”
“The video clearly shows him grabbing the hat as it was handed to the child,” the person added. “What a repulsive liar & thief.”
“J[K]amil Majchrzak did what a true man, a good human does – take care of the children,” another wrote. FFS, Piotr Szczerek, WHO Steals from a child? You’re a waste of air.”
“When Piotr Szczerek stole a cap from a boy, he probably thought he was the smartest,” one poster wrote. “Today his company is sinking and the kid met his idol.”
But Szczerek claimed it was an honest mistake as he was celebrating his fellow countryman’s victory.
“For years, together with my wife, I have been involved in helping children and young athletes, but this situation showed me that one moment of carelessness can undo years of work and support,” he wrote.
“Therefore, I will engage even more actively in initiatives supporting children and youth, as well as in actions against violence and hate,” he added. “I believe that only through deeds can I rebuild the lost trust.”
“Once again, I apologize to everyone I have let down.”
The incident occurred after Majchrzak defeated Russian ninth seed Karen Khachanov.
He said the incident was the result of “some kind of confusion.”
Szczerek sponsors Majchrzak’s tennis federation in Poland.
“I was pointing, giving the hat, but I had a lot going on after my match, after being super-tired and super-excited for the win. I just missed it,” Majchrzak said.
“I had, like, a dead look, if you know what I mean. I’m sure the guy was also acting in the moment of heat, in the moment of emotions,” he said.
Later, Majchrzak met the child — identified only as “Brock” — Saturday to apologize. He also have give him a new signed hat as well as other gifts.
