eBay settles civil lawsuit over employee stalking campaign for $55.7 million
eBay has agreed to pay $55.7 million to settle a civil lawsuit brought by David and Ina Steiner, who were subjected to harassment and stalking in 2019 by former eBay employees. The couple ran EcommerceBytes, an influential newsletter covering the e-commerce sector. As part of the settlement, eBay will pay them $46.15 million directly and fund $6 million in charitable contributions. Former executives also contributed financially: ex-CEO Devin Wenig paid $2 million to the Steiners plus $1 million for First Amendment-related causes; former senior vice president Wendy Jones paid $500,000; and former communications officer Steve Wymer paid $50,000. The harassment included threatening online messages, disturbing packages sent to their home in Massachusetts—such as live insects and a bloody pig mask—and physical surveillance. The campaign reportedly began after Wenig texted Wymer about "taking her down," referring to Ina Steiner. Seven former eBay employees have pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to the case; some received prison sentences of up to 57 months. eBay had already reached a $3 million deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2024.
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