US Open hat-snatch scandal: Did Polish tycoon Peter Szczerek really apologize? Here's what the official statement says

The Polish businessman, who was at the center of a controversy after snatching a hat from a young boy during a tennis match, has officially issued an apology, according to The Sun. The official statement came amid a flurry of fake posts on social media in his name.

According to The Sun, a statement was posted on Peter (Piotr) Szczerek's long-standing Facebook account. In it, the CEO of construction firm Drogbruk admitted to making “a huge mistake” when he pulled the signed hat from a boy named Brock moments after Polish player Kamil Majchrzak won a five-set thriller. The video clip left the child visibly upset and triggered widespread outrage, with Szczerek branded the “most hated man on the internet,” according to The U.S. Sun.

In the statement, Szczerek said he had misinterpreted the player’s gesture. He explained that in the excitement of the moment, he thought Majchrzak was tipping the cap toward him and his sons, who had previously asked for autographs.


“Today I know I did something that looked like I deliberately took away the child’s souvenir,” he wrote. “This was never my intention, but it does not change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.”

The CEO confirmed that the hat was returned and that he personally apologized to Brock and his family. He also stressed that neither he nor his family had issued any other comments online, dismissing several fake apology statements that had circulated before his official post.

Szczerek acknowledged the backlash against his company as well. Drogbruk’s Google review rating plummeted after being bombarded with negative comments, while its Trustpilot page was shut down due to “media attention.”

“For years, my wife and I have supported children and young athletes,” he said. “But this moment showed me how one mistake can undo years of goodwill. It is a painful but necessary lesson in humility.”

Meanwhile, Majchrzak himself reached out to Brock following the incident. The 29-year-old tennis pro met the boy in person and shared a photo with him, calling it “a very nice meeting” and a chance to help make things right.