eBay settles for nearly $50 million with journalists targeted in harassment campaign

eBay Inc. announced a settlement that will provide $48.7 million to David and Ina Steiner, the founders of the EcommerceBytes newsletter, who alleged that former eBay employees conducted a harassment campaign against them in 2019. The agreement, reached after the case was headed to trial, also includes $6 million in charitable donations, with an extra $1 million earmarked for a First Amendment-focused nonprofit in Ina Steiner’s name.

The Steiners, who live in Natick, Massachusetts, claimed they were subjected to threats, cyberstalking, and bizarre deliveries such as live insects, a funeral wreath and a bloody pig mask. Federal prosecutors previously charged seven former eBay staff members, most of whom pleaded guilty to conspiracy and cyberstalking offenses.

Attorney Christopher Murphy, representing the couple, said the settlement sends a warning that “attempts by big business to suppress speech and the press will not be tolerated.” He noted that the settlement contains no confidentiality provision, allowing the Steiners to speak publicly about the case.

eBay issued a statement apologizing for the conduct of former executives and said the behavior “does not represent eBay’s culture.” The company said it has changed leadership and strengthened its policies, procedures and ethics training.

Under the terms, the Steiners will receive $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig, $500,000 from former senior vice president Wendy Jones and $50,000 from former chief communications officer Steve Wymer. The settlement also requires eBay to issue a public statement addressing the conduct of the former executives involved.