During his thrilling US Open win over ninth seed Karen Khachanov on August 28, 2025, Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak made a heartfelt gesture handing his signed cap to a young fan named Brock. Just as Majchrzak placed the cap toward the boy, a man suddenly snatched it away and tucked it into a bag, prompting the boy to cry out, “What are you doing?” The moment, caught on camera, ignited widespread criticism online.
Majchrzak later revealed that the man has since been identified as Piotr Szczerek, CEO of Polish paving firm Drogbruk—an incident that went viral and tarnished reputations.
A Public Apology and Account of Mistaken Intent
On September 1, Szczerek publicly apologized, stating that in the emotional chaos of the moment, he genuinely believed the cap was meant for his own sons, who had asked for autographs earlier. “I made a grave mistake,” he acknowledged, expressing regret for misleading optics and hurt feelings. He confirmed the hat was returned, and apologized to the boy, his family, fans, and Majchrzak himself. In his heartfelt statement, Szczerek also clarified that neither he nor his family had commented online, nor engaged any legal representation—condemning misinformation circulating on social media.
Majchrzak’s Response: Compassion Amid Controversy
Majchrzak used social media to track down the young fan. He offered a friendly photo with Brock, writing, “Hello world, together with Brock we wish you a great day.”
He later met with Brock face-to-face—presenting him with another signed cap and memorabilia—restoring some comfort after the unsettling incident. Still, the emotional toll on Majchrzak continued: he retired from his next match due to injury in the third round.
Fallout for Szczerek and His Business
The backlash against Szczerek extended beyond social media. His company Drogbruk was flooded with negative reviews and complaints—some reviewers castigated him as “an absolute terrible CEO who steals from a kid.” The brand’s TrustPilot page even suspended comments amid the onslaught. Reports also circulated about purported legal threats directed at critics, but the authenticity of such claims remains unclear. As of now, no verified statement confirming such threats has been released by Szczerek or his representatives.
Broader Reflections on Accountability
The incident stirred broader discussion about the behavior of adults in public—and the power imbalance between wealthy individuals and children. Commenters on Reddit noted:
“Sociopaths are more likely to become CEOs…”
“But good on Kamil for getting the kid a hat!”
Meanwhile, outlets like The Australian offered humorous yet serious critiques, suggesting the episode exposed deeper issues around entitlement and how quickly society can turn against public figures. Amid the criticism, the author emphasized the importance of accountability—without resorting to destructive online shaming.
Conclusion
The US Open cap-snatching incident serves as a really powerful reminder of how quickly a seemingly small act can spark global outrage. While Piotr Szczerek’s apology and explanation helped ease tensions, the viral moment highlighted this society’s expectation for accountability, integrity, and fair play—especially in settings where young fans look up to their sporting heroes.
