Piotr Szczerek breaks silence over US Open hat-snatching row, admits ‘serious mistake’
Posted on: Sep 01, 2025 19:09 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Piotr Szczerek has issued an apologia to the baby at at the heart of the US Open hat-snatching scandal, stating that he had returned the cap to the young boy.
Szczerek, the CEO of the Polish paving company Drogbruk, was seen on camera grabbing a hat that was thrown to a youngster by Kamil Majchrzak, a Polish tennis player who had just upset Karen Khachanov of Russia in the competition's second round.
Szczerek became the target of a massive online outrage after the video garnered attention of netizens.
The billionaire said, “I made a serious mistake,” in a statement that was initially posted in Polish on his social media page.
"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. This false assumption made me reach out instinctively.
“Today I know that what I did looked like deliberately taking a keepsake from a child,” he continued.
Stressing that it was not his intention, he said, “But it doesn't change the fact that I hurt the boy and let the fans down. The cap has been given back to the boy, and I apologize to the family.”
“I hope that I have at least partially repaired the harm caused.”
Drogbruk was the focus of a barrage of unfavorable internet criticism following the identification of Szczerek as the man in the viral video.
Google evaluations for the paving contractor now only have a 1.4-star rating, with the majority of the one-star ratings include remarks regarding the hat-snatching video.
According to a note posted on the firm's page by review website Trustpilot, it is “currently closed for new reviews due to media attention.”
Szczerek further stated in his statement that he and his spouse had "been involved in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown me that a single moment of inattention can undo years of work and support."
He described the row as “painful but necessary lesson in humility”. “That is why I will be even more actively involved in initiatives supporting children and youth and in efforts against violence and hate.”
“I believe that only through actions can I regain the lost trust. Once again, I apologize to everyone I let down,” he added.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.