Polish CEO’s US Open Hat Snatch Sparks Outrage & Online Boycott – Breaking News
New York, NY – September 1, 2025 – A seemingly small act at the US Open has exploded into a major international incident, dominating social media and threatening the reputation of a prominent Polish businessman. The incident, captured live on camera, shows Peter Szerek, CEO of Drogbruk, snatching a hat intended for an eight-year-old fan from the hands of the child, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for a boycott of his company. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News and breaking news searches.
From Upset Victory to Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The drama unfolded following a stunning upset victory by Polish player Kamil Majchrzak over ninth-seeded Russian star Karen Khachanov in the second round of the US Open on August 29th. Majchrzak, returning from a year-and-a-half drug suspension, secured a hard-fought five-set win, instantly becoming a fan favorite. In a gesture of gratitude, he removed his hat to gift it to a young, enthusiastic supporter. That’s when Szerek intervened.
Video footage quickly circulated online, showing Szerek reaching out and taking the hat from the child, stuffing it into his bag while seemingly ignoring the boy’s protests. The internet reacted swiftly, labeling Szerek “the most annoying person on the internet” and demanding accountability. The incident highlights the power of social media to amplify moments of both triumph and, in this case, blatant disregard for good sportsmanship.
Who is Peter Szerek? A Look at the CEO at the Center of the Storm
Peter Szerek is the founder and CEO of Drogbruk, a Polish company specializing in road paving and landscape projects. Founded in 1999, Drogbruk has grown into a significant player in the Polish construction industry. Szerek, often described as a “self-made millionaire,” is also a passionate tennis enthusiast, boasting a private court at his Kalish mansion and sponsoring the Polish Tennis Federation. His connections to the sport, ironically, make his actions all the more shocking.
Evergreen Insight: The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct, even for those in positions of power. Corporate social responsibility extends beyond business practices; it encompasses personal behavior and the impact it has on public perception. In today’s hyper-connected world, actions are instantly scrutinized, and reputations can be irrevocably damaged.
A Series of Conflicting Statements and a Potential Suicide Claim
The fallout was swift and intense. Szerek initially attempted to justify his actions in a post on a Polish job search platform, claiming he was “teaching the child a life lesson” about “first come, first served.” He even threatened legal action against those making “offensive remarks.” However, the backlash continued, and a post purportedly from his wife, Anna Szczerek, claimed he had taken his own life due to the public pressure. This claim was quickly followed by another post, allegedly from Szerek himself, retracting the suicide claim and begging for forgiveness.
The authenticity of these posts remains unconfirmed due to the platform’s anonymous posting policy, adding another layer of complexity to the already chaotic situation. The conflicting statements have only fueled the outrage and skepticism surrounding Szerek’s motives.
#BoycottDrogbruk: The Economic Impact and Majchrzak’s Response
The online fury quickly translated into real-world consequences for Drogbruk. The company’s page on Polish job search and review websites was flooded with negative reviews, and the hashtag #BoycottDrogbruk gained traction globally. Financial media outlets began reporting on the potential for significant financial losses due to the reputational damage.
Amidst the controversy, Kamil Majchrzak, the player whose gesture sparked the incident, stepped forward to locate the young fan, Brock. He successfully found Brock and presented him with a signed hat and a bag of tennis equipment, offering a heartwarming counterpoint to the negativity. Majchrzak also urged fans to refrain from further online harassment, suggesting the incident may have been a momentary lapse in judgment.
SEO Tip: For businesses, this incident underscores the critical need for proactive reputation management and a robust social media crisis communication plan. Monitoring online sentiment and responding swiftly and authentically to negative feedback is essential for mitigating damage and preserving brand trust. This is a key element of modern SEO strategy.
As of today, Szerek has not issued a formal public apology. The situation remains fluid, but one thing is clear: a moment of perceived entitlement has had far-reaching consequences, demonstrating the power of collective action and the enduring importance of sportsmanship. The story continues to unfold, and archyde.com will provide updates as they become available.
