Polish Businessman Piotr Szczerek Addresses Global Backlash Over US Open Hat Incident

August 30, 2025 | New York/New York - Piotr Szczerek, the Polish entrepreneur and chief executive of paving-stone manufacturer Drogbruk, today broke his silence following worldwide criticism after a video surfaced of him confiscating a signed cap from a young fan at the US Open.

In an official statement issued through his legal counsel, Szczerek’s office insisted that the removal of the cap was not an act of “theft” but rather a symbolic gesture intended to draw attention to children’s overconsumption of sweets. The letter, released on social media and company channels, reads in part:

“This act bore an educational purpose - to prompt reflection, not to satisfy base motives. Our president, a figure of responsibility and achievement, merely sought to underscore that real rewards in life arise from effort, not chance”.

The statement further warned that defamatory comments accusing Szczerek of wrongdoing would be subject to legal review for possible libel.

Reaction to the letter has been swift. Many social-media users derided the explanation as disingenuous, while others applauded the CEO’s attempt at reframing the incident as a public-service lesson. Online platforms remain flooded with posts both condemning and defending Szczerek’s conduct, and Drogbruk’s own review pages have seen a surge of activity.

Meanwhile, Kamil Majchrzak, the Polish tennis player whose autograph preceded the incident, confirmed that he located the original young fan and ensured the cap was returned, posting on X: “All good now!”. Majchrzak advances to the US Open third round later today.