There’s a moment that captured hearts for all the wrong reasons—Piotr Szczerek, the CEO of Polish paving company Drogbruk, was spotted on video snatching a signed cap from a young fan at the US Open. The gesture ignited a storm of controversy — and for all the wrong reasons.
This incident has landed front-and-center in headlines, with critics calling it “heartless” and “shameful.” Let’s unpack what happened, how Szczerek responded, and what it all means for him and the young fan involved.
The Incident: What Went Down
At the 2025 US Open, Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak had just pulled off a big win when he graciously signed a cap and handed it to a young fan named Brock. But in a blink, Szczerek swooped in and snatched the cap away, slipping it into his wife’s bag—even as Brock protested. The stunned little boy was left bewildered and heartbroken.
The clip went viral almost instantly. Social media exploded with outrage, and Szczerek was dubbed “the most hated man on the Internet.” The online backlash also spilled over to his business reputation, with Drogbruk suffering a sharp drop in ratings and a 15% plunge in stock value within 24 hours.
The Aftermath: Apology and Attempts to Make Amends
In response to the backlash, Szczerek publicly apologized, calling the incident a “painful but necessary lesson in humility.” He explained that, in the excitement of the moment, he mistakenly thought the cap was intended for his sons. Eventually, he returned the cap and issued an apology on his official channels—stressing its authenticity amid a flood of fake statements circulating online.
Meanwhile, Majchrzak helped turn a negative moment into something positive—by personally gifting Brock another signed cap and other tennis memorabilia, reuniting with the boy and his family.
Despite these efforts, Szczerek and his wife have since deactivated their social media profiles, signaling perhaps a retreat from public scrutiny.
Why It Matters
This story strikes a chord not just because it involves a child, but because it highlights how quickly public trust can evaporate—even after years of goodwill. Szczerek, known for sponsoring youth sports and supporting tennis in Poland, saw his reputation undone in seconds.
Key Details at a Glance
- Person: Piotr Szczerek, CEO and co‑founder of Drogbruk—Poland’s leading paving and landscaping company.
- Incident: Captured snatching a signed cap from a young fan named Brock at the 2025 US Open.
- Reaction: Social media outrage, plummeting company rating, stock drop.
- Response: Public apology, cap returned, Majchrzak helped reunite the fan with another signed cap.
- Current Status: Social media accounts deactivated, fallout continues.
FAQs
Q: Was Piotr Szczerek intentionally trying to take the child’s cap?
A: Szczerek claims it was a mistake. He said, in his apology, he thought the signed cap was meant for his sons and acted impulsively in “the heat of the moment.”
Q: Did Kamil Majchrzak do anything to help the boy?
A: Yes, Majchrzak personally met with the boy, gifted him another signed cap and memorabilia, and used social media to orchestrate a heartfelt reunion.
Q: How has this affected Drogbruk and Szczerek’s business reputation?
A: The backlash led to a rapid decline in the company’s public rating and a significant stock drop (about 15%). Szczerek’s social media deactivation further fueled speculation and concern.
This entire episode is a reminder that even small missteps can spiral into major controversies—especially when they involve children. Szczerek’s apology may be a step toward redemption, but only time will tell if he and his company can recover their standing with the public.
