Hat Snatcher’s Statement Is Masterclass in Wrecking Own Rep

EKA Partner Eric Rose weighs in on Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek’s hat-snatching at the U.S. Open, which became a viral PR disaster worsened by his arrogant, threatening statement. Instead of apologizing, he mocked critics and escalated backlash, cementing perceptions of arrogance. His delayed apology came too late, making the case a lasting lesson in crisis communication failures.