Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek, who snatched hat from boy at US Open, finally apologizes: ‘A necessary lesson in humility’

The Polish CEO who was caught on camera snatching a signed hat off a child at the US Open admitted he made a “serious mistake” after viral footage turned him into an international villain.

Piotr Szczerek, the boss of paving stone company Drogbruk, said he believed tennis star Kamil Majchrzak was signing the hat for him to give to his sons when he appeared to grab the cap from the little boy.

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

Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek was seen snatching tennis star Kamil Majchrzak’s hat that he intended to give to a child. US Open/Euro Sport

Piotr Szczerek, CEO of Drogbruk, apologized for his behavior after a video of him snatching a hat intended for a child went viral. DROGBRUK kostka brukowa/Facebook
“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,” he added.

“It is a painful but necessary lesson in humility for me.”

Szczerek, who has been at the center of outrage after the video went viral last week, said he has apologized to the boy and his family for his actions.

Drogbruk CEO Piotr Szczerek apologized to the boy and said he made “a serious mistake.” Piotr Matuszewski/Facebook
He also claimed that neither he nor his family have made any statements regarding the incident prior to Monday — debunking viral posts that have been made in recent days pretending to be him and mocking the situation.

The fallout led to Szczerek’s countrymen blasting him on a Polish job search site as a “sack of garbage,” “common thief,” “primitive scammer” and “shameful jerk.”

But he claims that it was just a mistake during the excitement over his fellow countryman’s win.

A kid is seen getting upset after the CEO took the hat. US Open/Euro Sport
“For years, together with my wife, I have been involved in helping children and young athletes, but this situation showed me that one moment of carelessness can undo years of work and support,” the Polish millionaire wrote.

“Therefore, I will engage even more actively in initiatives supporting children and youth, as well as in actions against violence and hate,” he added. “I believe that only through deeds can I rebuild the lost trust.

“Once again, I apologize to everyone I have let down.”

Kamil Majchrzak meets with the fan after the souvenir hat was snatched from him. Kamil Majchrzak/ Instagram
Majchrzak, who had just won his match against Russian ninth seed Karen Khachanov when the incident occurred, told The Post over the weekend that the whole situation was the result of “some kind of confusion.”

The tennis star pointed out that Szczerek sponsors his tennis federation in Poland, adding that the hectic celebration over his win likely caused the now-viral snafu.

Piotr Szczerek was slammed after the incident went viral. Piotr Szczerek/Facebook
“I was pointing, giving the hat, but I had a lot going on after my match, after being super-tired and super-excited for the win. I just missed it,” Majchrzak said.

“I had, like, a dead look, if you know what I mean. I’m sure the guy was also acting in the moment of heat, in the moment of emotions,” he added.

Majchrzak was able to meet up with the boy on Saturday to apologize and give him a new signed hat and other gifts, with the child grinning from ear to ear.