BOSTON, Mass (Diya TV) — eBay and several former company executives have agreed to pay nearly $56 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a Massachusetts couple who endured a disturbing harassment and stalking campaign in 2019. The agreement ends a civil case that accused former eBay employees of targeting the couple in an effort to stop their reporting on the company.
Ina and David Steiner, who operate the news website eCommerceBytes, said the campaign caused years of fear and emotional distress. Their attorneys described the effort as a deliberate attempt to silence their coverage after some eBay executives became frustrated with the site’s reporting.
The settlement includes about $46.1 million from eBay. Former eBay Chief Executive Officer Devin Wenig agreed to pay $2 million. In addition, the company’s former senior vice president of operations will pay $500,000, while its former chief communications officer will contribute $50,000. Furthermore, eBay and Wenig also agreed to make donations to several nonprofit organizations.
The lawsuit stemmed from a series of shocking incidents that unfolded in 2019. According to court records, the Steiners received threatening online messages and disturbing packages at their Massachusetts home. The deliveries included live insects, a funeral wreath, a bloody pig mask, and a book about coping with the loss of a spouse. Moreover, former eBay employees watched the couple, followed them, and even tried to place a GPS tracking device on their vehicle.
Federal prosecutors later revealed internal company communications in a 2024 criminal complaint. The messages showed senior eBay executives discussing Ina Steiner and expressing anger over the website’s coverage. One message reportedly included a statement from Wenig that said to “take her down.” However, Wenig was never charged in the criminal case.
Wenig denied knowing about the harassment campaign. In a statement to the Boston Globe, he said those responsible carried out the actions in secret without his knowledge.
Meanwhile, the civil lawsuit claimed the harassment campaign aimed to intimidate the Steiners and force them to change or stop their reporting. The couple’s website, eCommerceBytes, has long covered online marketplaces and e-commerce businesses. Many online sellers rely on the publication for industry news and updates.
As part of the settlement, eBay released a public statement acknowledging the misconduct. The company said the agreement reflects its effort to make things right with the Steiners. It also stated that the actions of the former employees were wrong, unacceptable, and should never have happened.
In addition, eBay stressed that the conduct did not represent the company’s values or workplace culture. The company said it has installed new leadership since the incident. It also strengthened its internal policies, procedures, employee training, and oversight to prevent similar misconduct in the future.
The criminal investigation also led to convictions. Seven former eBay employees pleaded guilty to charges connected to the harassment scheme. Their actions included cyberstalking, conspiracy, witness tampering, and other crimes linked to the campaign against the Steiners.
Among those convicted was James Baugh, eBay’s former senior director of safety and security. He received a prison sentence of nearly five years for his role in organizing and directing the harassment operation.
The Steiners’ attorneys confirmed that the couple also reached separate settlements with the remaining former employees named in the civil lawsuit. Those agreements resolve additional claims outside the main settlement with eBay and its former executives.
The case has drawn national attention because of the unusual and aggressive tactics used against the couple. Legal experts say the settlement marks one of the most significant corporate resolutions involving workplace-directed harassment and retaliation against journalists and publishers.
Although the financial agreement closes the civil lawsuit, the case continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting press freedom and personal safety. It also highlights the legal consequences that companies and individuals may face when employees cross ethical and legal boundaries.
With the settlement now complete, both sides have resolved the long-running dispute. However, the case remains a notable example of how corporate misconduct can result in serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
