- eBay and three former top executives have agreed to pay $55.7 million to resolve a lawsuit by the Steiners, who were victims of a bizarre stalking and harassment campaign carried out by several of its employees.
- Seven former eBay employees pleaded guilty and received sentences of up to 57 months in prison for their roles in the harassment campaign, which included attempts to surveil the Steiners.
- In 2024, eBay was criminally charged and agreed to pay a $3 million fine as part of a deferred prosecution agreement.
- The harassment campaign against the Steiners began in August 2019 after the then CEO, Devin Wenig, texted a top communications officer that it was time to 'take her down,' referring to Ina Steiner.
- The Steiners alleged in their lawsuit that eBay engaged in a conspiracy to intimidate, threaten, and silence them due to their reporting on the company.
- The harassment included bizarre deliveries such as live insects, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig Halloween mask.
- The settlement includes $46.15 million to the Steiners, along with $6 million in charitable contributions to non-profit organizations supporting First Amendment rights.
- The settlement allows the Steiners to speak openly about their ordeal, as it contains no confidentiality provision.
- Attorney Christopher Murphy stated that the resolution serves as a warning against corporate attempts to suppress speech and the press.
eBay has agreed to pay $55.7 million to David and Ina Steiner, who faced a harassment campaign orchestrated by former employees after their critical coverage of the company. The settlement includes $46.15 million to the couple and $6 million in charitable contributions.17
The harassment began in August 2019 when then-CEO Devin Wenig texted a colleague to "take her down," referring to Ina Steiner. This led to a series of bizarre threats, including live insects and a bloody pig mask being sent to the couple. Seven former employees were charged and pleaded guilty, with sentences up to 57 months in prison.46
The settlement also mandates eBay to issue a public statement acknowledging the misconduct of its former executives, including Wenig, who will personally pay $2 million and donate $1 million to a charity supporting First Amendment rights. The Steiners' attorney, Christopher Murphy, emphasized that this resolution serves as a warning against corporate attempts to suppress free speech.9
The Steiners expressed relief at the outcome, stating, "What we endured was wrong and should never have happened." eBay acknowledged the unprofessional conduct of its former executives, stating, "What the Steiners were subjected to was reprehensible."
“The settlement includes $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig, and $6 million in charitable contributions. Attorney Christopher Murphy stated that this resolution sends a clear message that corporate misconduct will have significant consequences.”
The Guardian
The Independent
