Generated

eBay Inc. Agrees to Pay $50 Million Settlement to David Steiner and Ina Steiner Following Harassment Campaign

eBay Inc. agreed to pay approximately $50 million to settle a lawsuit filed by David Steiner and Ina Steiner, a Massachusetts couple who were targeted by a bizarre harassment campaign from former company employees. The couple, who run the e-commerce newsletter EcommerceBytes, were subjected to cyberstalking, death threats, and anonymous deliveries of items such as live cockroaches, spiders, and a bloody pig mask in 2019. The lawsuit alleged that employees conspired to intimidate and silence the couple because they were critical of the company's coverage. As part of the settlement, eBay Inc. will pay $46.15 million, while former CEO Devin Wenig, former executive Wendy Jones, and former executive Steve Wymer will contribute personal payments. The agreement also includes $7 million in charitable donations and lacks a confidentiality provision, allowing the couple to speak publicly about the experience. eBay Inc. acknowledged the unprofessional tone of internal communications and stated that the conduct was not representative of the company's current culture. The settlement serves as a warning against corporate misconduct and the suppression of free speech.

Sources