The incident took place at the US Open where a tennis player was distributing signed items, and a shocking act was caught on camera.
After securing a win against Karen Khachanov on August 28, 29-year-old Kamil Majchrzak interacted with fans. For attendees, this is often a treasured chance to engage with the player and acquire autographed memorabilia.
This is particularly significant for young fans, but for one child, his special moment was abruptly taken when Majchrzak gave him a signed cap.
A man beside the boy quickly grabbed the cap and put it into a bag while smiling, seemingly unaware that the incident was being recorded.
Outrage erupted on social media, and the man was soon identified.
The individual has been identified as Polish millionaire Piotr Szczerek, who is the CEO of the paving company Drogbruk. In response to the backlash, he has reportedly deactivated his social media accounts.
Majchrzak was unaware of the situation during the match but later addressed it on Instagram.
He wrote: “After the match I didn’t get to record that my cap didn’t get to the boy.
“Thanks to @asicstennis I’ve got enough caps so I’m prepared for that.”
In a post featuring four images of the child, Majchrzak continued: “Hey Guys, could you help me find the Kid from my match @usopen @eurosportpl.
“If it’s you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM.”
Not long after, he was able to update fans with the positive news that the boy had been found.
Returning to social media shortly thereafter, Majchrzak informed followers that the boy had been located.
He added: “I am impressed by the power of the Internet. We got it! All good now,” followed by a salute and thumbs up emoji.”
Continuing with the positive developments, Majchrzak shared a video on Instagram of him meeting the child, offering a goodie bag and presenting a new cap.
In a conversation with the New York Post, Majchrzak even defended Szczerek while recounting the incident.
He said: “Obviously it was some kind of confusion.
“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. 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.”