‘Lesson in Humility’: CEO Who Sparked Outrage for Snatching Hat Away From Kid at US Open Admits ‘Serious Mistake’

A man caught on camera snatching a tennis star’s autographed hat from a child at the U.S. Open has acknowledged the “serious mistake” he made, as seen in a now-viral video.

“I would like to unequivocally apologize to the boy who was harmed, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself,” Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek reportedly wrote on Instagram. “I made a serious mistake.”

Szczerek continued: “In the emotions, in the crowd’s joy after the victory, I was convinced that the tennis player was handing the cap in my direction — for my sons, who had earlier asked for autographs. It is a painful but necessary lesson in humility for me.”

The viral video showed Szczerek in the stands at the U.S. Open clearly swiping the hat that Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak handed to a boy following his victory over Karen Khachanov.

The boy’s face went from joy to surprise as the hat was snatched right from his hand.

After learning of the incident, Majchrzak urged his social media followers to help him identify the boy.

“After the match, I didn’t record that my cap didn’t get to the boy,” Majchrzak wrote. “Hey guys, could you help me find the kid from my match. If it’s you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM.”

Majchrzak was eventually reunited with Brock, the victim in the hat-snatching, according to The Daily Mail. Video showed the tennis star shaking hands and talking with the boy before handing over a bag full of merchandise.

Majchrzak’s caption read: “Hello World, Together with Brock we wish you a great day!”

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!