CEO speaks out after going viral as 'most-hated man in America'

Earning the title of 'the most-hated man in America' isn't something you might expect the head of a Polish paving company to earn, but now, Piotr Szczerek is finding himself in some pretty hot water.

While we won't name any names here, we're sure there are plenty of famous faces who people might consider the 'most-hated' man in America.

In the aftermath of a tech CEO going viral when he was caught kissing someone who wasn't his wife at a Coldplay concert, another CEO is in the firing line. Szczerek went viral when he appeared to snatch a signed hat from a young boy at the US Open.

Kamil Majchrzak had just scored a victory against Karen Khachanov and walked over to Court 11 to sign autographs for the fans there. Although Majchrzak reassured people on social media that the hat did make it to the young boy called Brock, that hasn't stopped the general public from putting Szczerek in their crosshairs.

Just days after Merch.com CEO Ikey Bensimhon went similarly viral when he was branded a dog 'abuser' at a festival, it's time for another CEO apology.

Posting on Facebook, an apologetic Szczerek referred to the situation as a 'huge mistake'. Apologizing for the fracas, the CEO of paving company Drogbruk wrote: "Due to the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to clearly apologize to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself.

"I have made a huge mistake."

Continuing his apology, Szczerek said: "In emotions, in the crowd rejoicing after the victory, I was convinced the tennis player tipped his hat in my direction - to my sons who have asked for autographs earlier.

"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."

Saying that it wasn't his intention to upset Brock, the CEO admitted "it doesn't change the fact I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.

He concluded: "The hat was given to the boy, and apologies to the family. I hope, just partly, I have repaired the hurt that has been done."

"I also want to make it clear, neither myself, nor my wife, nor my sons have commented on this situation on social media as well as on any portal.

"We have not used the services of any legal office in this regard. All alleged statements appearing online are not ours."

It comes after a number of people claiming to be Szczerek and his wife were appearing to mock the situation online.

While the apology does seem heartfelt, it might not be enough for many. Drogbruk has been inundated with negative reviews online, currently sitting with just a 1.3 rating on Google.

Even though Szczerek is presumably keen to leave this one behind him, the internet has a long and vengeful memory.