EBAY AND FORMER EXECUTIVES PAY $56M IN HARASSMENT SETTLEMENT

eBay and several former executives have agreed to pay nearly $56 million to settle a civil case brought by David and Ina Steiner, a Massachusetts couple who were subjected to a harassment campaign in 2019. The settlement was announced on Tuesday. The Steiners ran EcommerceBytes, a website and newsletter critical of eBay, which prompted retaliation from company executives. Seven former eBay executives pleaded guilty to criminal charges between 2022 and 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The harassment campaign included multiple threatening actions. The couple received a costume mask covered in pig's blood, a book on surviving the death of a spouse, live insects, a funeral wreath, and harassing messages on social media. Former eBay employees also surveilled the couple and attempted to install a GPS tracking device on their car. Internal communications revealed that former CEO Devin Wenig sent a text message saying "take her down" regarding Ina Steiner. An FBI agent characterised the campaign as "unprecedented, relentless, and over-the-top" in 2024.

According to the settlement terms, eBay will pay approximately $46.1 million, whilst Wenig will pay $2 million personally. eBay's former senior vice president of operations will pay $500,000, and the former chief communications officer will pay $50,000. eBay was also criminally charged and entered a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice, paying a $3 million fine. Wenig's contribution will be donated to a charity dedicated to protecting First Amendment rights in the name of Ina Steiner.