CEO accused of 'disgusting' act to child at US Open breaks silence
A millionaire CEO who was spotted snatching a cap out of a child's hands at the US Open has spoken out to address the viral video.
Following his five set win over Karen Khachanov in the second round of the final tennis major of the year in New York, Kamil Majchrzak approached fans to thank them for their support.
As he signed various tennis balls and other merchandise handed to him by fans, the Polish tennis player took off his cap and attempted to hand it to a young fan.
However, fans watching the moment were disgusted to see that just as the young fan went to take the cap, it was snatched away from him by a man stood beside him, before it was quickly stuffed into a bag.
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Following the incident, several fake statements from the man, who has since been revealed to be Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek, circulated online, leading him to take to social media to speak out.
In a statement released on his Facebook account, via the The Sun, the businessman admitted that he had allowed emotions to get the better of him after thinking the hat was being given to him.
He wrote: "Due to the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to clearly apologize to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself.
"I have made a huge mistake."
He continued: "In emotions, in the crowd rejoicing after the victory, I was convinced the tennis player tips his hat in my direction - to my sons who have asked for autographs earlier.
"The misconception caused me to pull out my hand."
Shortly after footage of the moment appeared online, Szczerek was identified, leading to his paving company named Drogbruk being hit with a series of negative reviews on both Google and Trustpilot.
However, the CEO has confirmed that he has since met up with the young fan, named Brock, to give him the hat.
He added: "Today I know I did something that looked like a deliberate collection of the child's souvenir.
"The hat was given to the boy, and apologies to the family. I hope. Just Partly. I have repaired the hurt that has been done.
"I also want to make it clear, neither myself, nor my wife, nor my sons have commented on this situation on social media as well as on any portal.
"We have not used the services of any office legal in this regard. All alleged statements appearing online are not ours by."
And Szczerek wasn't the only one who tracked down Brock to make sure he got the hat, as Majchrzak also posted a photo with the them together on his own social media.
Posting on his Instagram story, he wrote: ""It was a very nice meeting.
"I wanted to meet the boy Brock and his family and just try to make things right for him."
Unfortunately for Majchrzak, an injury in his third round match against Leandro Riedi forced him to retire from the US Open.
Ben McCrum