eBay Agrees to $50M Settlement Over Harassment Allegations Against Couple
eBay Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $50 million in a settlement with David and Ina Steiner, a Massachusetts couple who were allegedly targeted by former employees of the company through a harassment campaign in 2019. The campaign reportedly included sending packages containing live cockroaches, spiders, a preserved fetal pig, and other disturbing items to intimidate the couple, who are e-commerce industry bloggers. The lawsuit claimed that eBay's ex-employees were motivated by anger over the Steiners' reporting on the company. In addition to physical harassment, they faced cyberstalking, death threats, and in-person surveillance. The settlement includes $46.15 million from eBay itself, with additional contributions from former executives who have since left the company. The couple emphasized that the large sum is intended as a deterrent for corporations using their resources to silence journalists. They also expressed disappointment with federal investigations into the case and stressed the importance of holding individuals accountable.
Tickers: $EBAY
Topics: corporate misconduct harassment lawsuits