eBay agrees to $55.7 million settlement in Massachusetts stalking case

eBay announced a $55.7 million settlement with Ina and David Steiner, owners of the trade publication ECommerceBytes, who were subjected to a harassment campaign by former eBay staff beginning in 2019. The couple reported receiving threatening packages, pornographic magazines sent to neighbors, and false listings of their home on classified sites. Law enforcement traced a rental van used to follow David Steiner to an eBay employee, leading to criminal charges against seven executives and employees, some of whom were later sentenced to prison.

Federal prosecutors said senior eBay leaders were angered by the Steiners' newsletter and critical comments posted by readers. Former CEO Devin Wenig allegedly texted “Take her down,” and former chief communications officer Steve Wymer wrote, “I want to see ashes. As long as it takes. Whatever it takes.”

"It felt like corporate terrorism because we were terrorized. And it was very calculated. It was very vicious," Ina Steiner told a television interview.

Under the settlement, the Steiners will receive $48.7 million, including $2 million directly from Wymer. eBay will contribute $6 million to various charities, and Wymer will donate $1 million to a First Amendment-focused charity in Ina Steiner’s name. The company, which paid a $3 million criminal penalty in 2024, issued a statement apologizing to the couple and condemning the actions of the former employees.

"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," Wenig said, adding that an independent review found he was unaware of the harassment.

Attorney Christopher Murphy said the settlement aims to hold the perpetrators accountable, deter future corporate misconduct, and protect journalists and publishers.