eBay and three former top executives have agreed to pay $55.7 million to resolve a lawsuit brought by David and Ina Steiner, a Massachusetts couple who were subjected to a bizarre stalking and harassment campaign by several eBay employees in retaliation for critical coverage in their newsletter, EcommerceBytes.
Settlement Details
The settlement, announced late Monday, ends a case filed in 2021 in Boston federal court. eBay will pay $46.15 million to the couple, fund $6 million in charitable contributions to non-profit organizations, and issue a strongly-worded statement condemning the conduct of three former top executives. Additionally, former CEO Devin Wenig will pay $2 million to the Steiners and make a $1 million donation to a charity focused on protecting First Amendment rights in Ina Steiner's name. Former senior vice-president Wendy Jones will pay $500,000, and former chief communications officer Steve Wymer will pay $50,000.
Background of the Harassment Campaign
The harassment campaign began in August 2019 after senior executives deemed the Steiners' newsletter, EcommerceBytes, critical of the company. Prosecutors said the aim was to silence them. The campaign included sending cockroaches, fly larvae, and a bloody Halloween pig mask to the couple. Several eBay employees traveled from California to Natick, Massachusetts, to surveil the Steiners and attempt to install a GPS tracking device on their car. Seven former eBay workers pleaded guilty and received sentences of up to 57 months in prison. eBay itself was criminally charged and agreed in 2024 to pay a $3 million fine.
Statements from Parties
“We believe this resolution sends a clear message that corporations and their executives cannot engage in this type of misconduct without facing significant consequences,” said Christopher Murphy, the Steiners' attorney. eBay stated, “What happened to the Steiners was wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened. We continue to extend our deepest apologies to the Steiners.” Wenig said, “No one should ever have been subjected to what the Steiners endured in 2019, and I’m saddened by it, especially because it occurred during my time as CEO of eBay. This behavior is antithetical to everything I stand for and believe in.”
Impact and Legal Consequences
The Steiners' lawyers said additional settlements were reached with all other eBay employees named in their lawsuit. The case highlights the severe consequences of corporate retaliation against critics. The $55.7 million settlement, including charitable contributions and individual payments, underscores the accountability of both the company and its executives.
