Featured Image Credit: Eurosport
Topics: Sport, US News, World News, News
Rhianna Benson
An apology issued by a millionaire CEO - who was tracked down by a pack of angry internet sleuths - hasn't gone down too well.
Piotr Szczerek sparked mass controversy following his attendance at the US Open on 28 August, where he witnessed Kamil Majchrzak defeat Karen Khachanov in the second round.
Following the win, the Polish tennis star did a victory lap of the court, and was seen on the big screen signing balls for members of the audience - among them was a young boy named Brock.
At one point, Majchrzak took off his cap and appeared to hand it to Brock.
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However, in gut-wrenching footage, an adult man standing beside the boy - later identified as Szczerek, the CEO of a Polish paving company - seemingly 'snatched' the cap away before placing it into a bag, leaving the youngster stunned.
Unsurprisingly, the clip quickly went viral online, forcing the CEO to apologise for his 'huge mistake'.
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"Due to the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to clearly apologise to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself," a statement Szczerek shared on social media read.
"I have made a huge mistake. In emotions, in the crowd rejoicing after the victory, I was convinced the tennis player tips his hat in my direction - to my sons who have asked for autographs earlier."
He added: "For years, my wife and I have been engaged in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown I think that one moment of disregard can ruin years of work and support.
"It hurts for me, but a needed lesson in humility. I believe that only through actions can rebuild what has been lost trust.
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"Again, I'm sorry to anyone I disappointed. Please understand - for my family's sake - I decided to turn off the option comments on this post."
Szczerek continued: "The misconception caused me to pull out my hand. Today I know I did something that looked like a deliberate collection of the child's souvenir. This was not my intention, but it doesn't change the fact I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans."
However, despite the CEO's claims, his 'sorry' has seemingly rubbed some internet users up the wrong way, a number of whom apparently fail to believe in the sincerity of Szczerek's words.
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"A forced apology is not an apology," one hit out on Facebook.
Another added: "FORCED! He should have immediately handed it to the child."
A third wrote: "That was the most unapologetic apology I've seen in a long while. He's trying to make it sound like like HE is a victim."
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Someone else claimed: "Only apologize because he was caught on video."
After footage of the incident went viral, the athlete released a statement online, claiming he was aware of the controversy.
"After the match I didn't record that my cap didn't get to the boy," the 29-year-old player wrote on social media.
"Thanks to Asics Tennis I've got enough caps, so I'm prepared for that. 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."
Hours later, he shared another post, revealing he'd since made contact with Brock's family.
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"I am impressed by the power of the Internet," Majchrzak gushed. "We got it! All good now."
The sportsman later met with Brock, posing for photos beside the youngster.
"Today after warm up, I had a nice meeting," Majchrzak wrote on Instagram, quipping: "Do you recognise [the cap]?"
In a second post, he added: "Hello World, together with Brock we wish you a great day!"
Tyla has contacted Szczerek for further comment.