CEO Apologises for Snatching Boy’s Hat at US Open, Calls it a ‘Huge Mistake’
Background on the Incident
A Polish business executive who was widely criticised after being filmed taking a hat intended for a young boy from a tennis player at the US Open has issued a public apology, calling the incident a “huge mistake.”
The man, Piotr Szczerek, said he was “convinced” player Kamil Majchrzak was passing the cap to him. The hat has since been returned to the young fan.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 28, moments after Polish player Kamil Majchrzak won his second-round match.
Video footage showed Majchrzak attempting to hand his cap to a young fan in the crowd, only for Mr. Szczerek to intercept it.
After the clip was shared widely on social media, Mr. Szczerek released a statement on Monday, saying, “I would like to unequivocally apologise to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself.”
Player and Fan Reunited
The player, Kamil Majchrzak, suggested the incident was a result of confusion in an emotional moment.
Over the weekend, the 29-year-old tennis star met with the young fan, giving him a new cap and other merchandise.
Mr. Majchrzak shared clips of the “nice meeting” on his Instagram account, resolving the situation for the boy and his family.