eBay settles harassment case for $56m

E-commerce platform eBay and some former executives have agreed to a $56 million settlement with bloggers David and Ina Steiner. The settlement resolves a case stemming from a 2019 harassment campaign conducted in retaliation for the couple's critical reporting on their website, EcommerceBytes. The US Department of Justice stated that seven former eBay executives pleaded guilty to criminal charges between 2022 and 2024 in connection with the actions.

Nature of the Harassment

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The harassment campaign against the Steiners, as reported by the BBC, involved a series of intimidating actions. These included the sending of a costume mask covered in pigs' blood, a funeral wreath, and threatening messages. Some former executives also made visits to the couple's home in Massachusetts with the intent to install a tracking device on their car. An FBI agent described the actions as an "unprecedented, relentless, and over-the-top harassment campaign."

Company and Executive Accountability

In addition to the civil settlement, eBay itself faced criminal charges. The company entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice and paid a $3 million fine. Former CEO Devin Wenig, who left eBay in 2019, is personally contributing $1 million towards the settlement. Wenig had sent a text message in 2019 regarding Ina Steiner stating, "Take her down." His representative stated this referred to a public relations strategy to address perceived inaccuracies in her writing. Wenig expressed sadness that the harassment occurred during his tenure, stating, "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. The harassment was deliberately done in secret."

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eBay issued a statement condemning the actions of the former employees, calling them "wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened." The company acknowledged an "unprofessional tone in internal communications" by Wenig and others. Christopher Murphy, representing the Steiners, 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."

Settlement Details

The $56 million settlement includes $6 million designated for various non-profit organizations. Devin Wenig's $1 million contribution is earmarked for an unnamed charity focused on protecting First Amendment rights, to be gifted in Ina Steiner's name. The settlement aims to compensate the Steiners and address the company's commitment to rectifying the situation, as stated by eBay.