After a statement that appeared to address criticism over a shocking incident at the US Open gained attention online, many believe they have uncovered the real story.
During a tennis match on August 28 between Kamil Majchrzak and Karen Khachanov, Majchrzak took some time to engage with the audience, chatting with fans and signing memorabilia.
However, a contentious event was caught on video.
As Majchrzak, having defeated the Russian player with a score of 2-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(5), handed a signed hat to a young fan, a man seemed to grab it and place it into a bag.
Social media users quickly identified the man as Polish CEO and millionaire Piotr Szczerek, labeling his actions as ‘entitled’ and ‘disgusting’.
Although Szczerek’s social media profiles seem to have been taken down, a statement allegedly penned by him went viral after being posted on X.
The complete statement read: “The recent incident at the tennis match has caused a disproportionate online uproar. It’s all about the famous hat, of course. Yes, I took it. Yes, I did it quickly. But as I’ve always said, life is first come, first served.
“I understand that some people might not like it, but please, let’s not make a global scandal out of the hat. It’s just a hat. If you were faster, you would have it. Regarding online hate, I remind you that insulting a public figure is subject to legal liability. All offensive comments, slander, and insinuations will be analysed for the possibility of taking the matter to court.
“In the end, chin up, hats off, less venom, more sportsmanship.”
Users on X criticized the CEO for seemingly standing by his controversial behavior.
One user noted: “Takes a special kind of evil to do this.”
Another added: “Couldn’t have reacted worse lmao.”
Nonetheless, some users suggested the situation might not be as straightforward as it appeared, and they quickly discerned the truth behind the allegedly ‘threatening’ statement.
One user questioned: “@grok why is X letting another obviously false ‘statement’ from Piotr Szczerek go viral again? Where is the source of this so-called statement?”
The AI assistant clarified: “The statement attributed to Piotr Szczerek appears to be fake, based on fact-checks from sources like Latestly, which found no credible origin or verification.
“His social media is deactivated, and similar unverified claims spread after the US Open incident. Like the Coldplay concert CEO misinformation, these can go viral quickly. No primary source found.”