CEO Piotr finally breaks silence, apologises for viral “cap snatching” incident

In an era where candid moments from public events often spark intense online conversations, a short video from the US Open has quickly become the centre of attention. The footage shows a moment of misjudgement– an adult taking what appeared to be a souvenir meant for a child.

The clip has been widely shared and criticised online, prompting a formal apology from the man involved.The incident occurred after Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak’s win at the tournament, when he was seen offering his cap to fans in the front row. Before the young boy next to him could accept the gift, a man standing nearby reached out and took it. The moment, though only a few seconds long, triggered strong reactions across social media platforms.“I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans”: CEO’s apologyThe man in the video has been identified as Piotr Szczerek, the CEO of a paving company, Drogbruk. On Monday, he released a public apology through the company’s official Instagram handle, accepting responsibility for his actions.

“I was convinced the player was handing it in my direction,” he wrote, as reported by the BBC. “I know I did something that seemed like consciously collecting a memento from a child. This wasn't my intention, but it doesn't change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.”

“I would like to unequivocally apologise to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself,” he added.Cap returned, comments disabled on social mediaFollowing the backlash, the company confirmed that the cap was given back to the child, according to the media reports. “The cap has been handed over to the boy, and apologies have been made to the family,” the statement said. “I hope that at least in part I have repaired the harm caused.”The Instagram post where the apology was shared had its comments section disabled.

Szczerek said the move was to protect his family from online abuse, as the video continued to circulate widely, as reported by Business Insider.Internet reacts swiftly to the incidentThe video, filmed from the stands and shared online shortly after the match, attracted millions of views. Many users criticised Szczerek for stepping in and taking a moment away from a child. Others called the act selfish and argued that public figures must be more aware of how their behaviour is perceived, especially at high-profile events.The debate extended to fan etiquette at sports events, particularly concerning gestures from athletes that are generally intended for children or younger spectators.Majchrzak Speaks: “I did what most athletes would do”Tennis player Kamil Majchrzak also responded to the incident in a brief statement to the BBC. “I did what most athletes would do in this kind of situation,” he said. “I hope the boy and his family had a great day.”