2026-07-29 11:00:08

eBay and three former executives have agreed to pay $55.7 million to settle a lawsuit brought by a Massachusetts couple who were targeted in a harassment campaign involving cockroaches, fly larvae and a bloody Halloween pig mask.

David and Ina Steiner, publishers of the ecommerce newsletter EcommerceBytes, announced the settlement on Monday (27.07.26), ending a legal battle that began in 2021 after several former eBay employees were prosecuted for their involvement in the campaign.

The couple alleged they were targeted because of critical coverage of eBay in their newsletter. The harassment included anonymous threats, unwanted deliveries and attempts to monitor their movements, including a trip by former employees from California to Massachusetts where they allegedly tried to install a GPS tracking device on the couple’s car.

Under the settlement, eBay will pay the Steiners $46.15 million, provide $6 million in charitable donations and issue a statement condemning the actions of three former senior executives.

Christopher Murphy, the Steiners’ attorney, said: “We continue to extend our deepest apologies to the Steiners. This agreement is consistent with our commitment to fairly compensate the Steiners and fulfills our efforts to make things right.”

Seven former eBay employees previously pleaded guilty and received prison sentences of up to 57 months for their involvement in the scheme.

Prosecutors said the campaign was launched after senior executives became frustrated with the Steiners’ reporting.

Former eBay chief executive Devin Wenig was not charged but was named in the lawsuit.

Prosecutors said he sent messages in 2019 suggesting it was time to “take her down”, referring to Ina Steiner. Wenig has maintained that his comments related to public relations efforts and that he had no involvement in the harassment.

As part of the settlement, Wenig will pay the Steiners $2 million and make a $1 million donation to a charity supporting First Amendment rights in Ina Steiner’s name.

Former senior vice-president Wendy Jones and communications chief Steve Wymer will also make payments.

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