eBay and its former chief executive, Devin Wenig, have agreed to pay $56 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by David and Ina Steiner. The couple, who operated the EcommerceBytes website, were the targets of a severe harassment campaign orchestrated by former eBay employees in 2019 following critical coverage of the company.
The campaign involved a series of disturbing actions, including the delivery of a pig-mask, a funeral wreath, and a book regarding the death of a spouse. Additionally, former executives attempted to install a tracking device on the couple's vehicle and sent harassing messages via social media. Seven former employees previously pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to these actions between 2022 and 2024.
As part of the settlement, eBay will provide the majority of the funds, which includes $6 million designated for non-profit organizations. Wenig, who resigned in 2019, is contributing $1 million to a charity focused on First Amendment rights. The former CEO expressed regret for the events, stating, "No one should ever have been subjected to what the Steiners endured in 2019."
eBay acknowledged the conduct of its former staff as "reprehensible" and admitted that the company’s internal communications at the time were unprofessional. Christopher Murphy, an attorney for the Steiners, noted that the resolution serves as a warning that corporate misconduct will result in significant consequences.
Source: BBC News
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