- eBay has agreed to a $56m settlement with David and Ina Steiner after a campaign of harassment stemming from their online criticism of the firm.
- The harassment faced by the Steiners began in 2019 and involved several eBay executives, including the then CEO.
- Between 2022 and 2024, seven former eBay executives pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to the harassment.
- An FBI agent described the harassment campaign as 'unprecedented' in 2024.
- The harassment included sending the Steiners a funeral wreath and threatening messages on social media.
- eBay entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the DOJ and paid a fine of $3m.
- Former CEO Devin Wenig is personally contributing $1m towards the settlement.
- Wenig had previously sent a text message stating, 'Take her down.' regarding Ina Steiner.
- eBay acknowledged that the actions of the former employees were 'wrong' and 'reprehensible'.
eBay has reached a $56 million settlement with David and Ina Steiner following a harassment campaign by former executives, including ex-CEO Devin Wenig. The Steiners faced severe retaliation for their online criticism of the company, which included threats and harassment.7
In 2019, the Steiners were subjected to a series of disturbing actions, including receiving a funeral wreath and harassing messages on Twitter. Several former executives pleaded guilty to these actions, which led to both civil and criminal charges against eBay. The company has also entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice, agreeing to pay a $3 million fine.256
Christopher Murphy, the Steiners' attorney, stated, 'We believe this resolution sends a clear message that corporations and their executives cannot engage in this type of misconduct without facing significant consequences.' eBay acknowledged the misconduct, stating, 'What the Steiners were subjected to by former eBay employees in 2019 was wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened.' The settlement includes $6 million allocated to various non-profit organizations, with Wenig personally contributing $1 million. eBay emphasized that this agreement reflects their commitment to rectify the situation and compensate the Steiners fairly.
The case highlights the serious repercussions of corporate retaliation and the importance of accountability for executives in positions of power.
“The settlement includes $6m allocated to various non-profit organizations, with former CEO Wenig personally contributing $1m to a charity supporting First Amendment rights. Christopher Murphy, representing the Steiners, emphasized that this resolution sends a strong message against corporate misconduct.”
BBC
