eBay has agreed to pay $56 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Ina and David Steiner, the husband-and-wife team behind the EcommerceBytes newsletter, bringing an end to a legal battle over a shocking harassment campaign orchestrated by former company employees.
The dispute dates back to 2019, when several senior eBay officials allegedly launched an intimidation campaign after becoming frustrated with the newsletter’s reporting, which sometimes criticized the online marketplace. Instead of responding publicly, those involved carried out a months-long effort designed to frighten the couple and discourage further coverage.
According to court filings, the harassment included anonymous threats, fake social media accounts, and a series of disturbing packages delivered to the Steiners’ home. The couple reportedly received live spiders and cockroaches, pornographic publications, a bloody pig mask, a funeral wreath, and even a book focused on coping with the loss of a spouse.
Investigators also uncovered discussions about escalating the campaign even further. One proposal involved secretly attaching a GPS tracking device to the couple’s vehicle, although that plan was never completed. Another internal idea reportedly suggested sending a “Samoan gang” to the family’s home to intimidate them.
The newly announced settlement resolves the civil lawsuit filed by the Steiners in 2021. Under the agreement, eBay will pay $46.15 million, while former CEO Devin Wenig will contribute $2 million. Former executives Wendy Jones and Steve Wymer will also make payments of $500,000 and $50,000, respectively. Additional funds will be directed to nonprofit organizations.
The case follows criminal convictions involving seven former eBay employees who admitted their roles in the harassment scheme. Among them was former security chief James Baugh, who received a prison sentence of nearly five years. Others who pleaded guilty included David Harville, Brian Gilbert, Stephanie Popp, Stephanie Stockwell, Philip Cooke, and former contractor Veronica Zea.
In response to the settlement, eBay said the actions carried out by the former employees were unacceptable and did not reflect the company’s values. The company reiterated its apology to Ina and David Steiner, stating that it remains committed to making amends and ensuring accountability for what happened.
Christopher Murphy, one of the attorneys representing the Steiners, said the lawsuit was about more than financial compensation. He said his clients wanted the truth to be exposed, those responsible to be held accountable, and stronger protections for journalists and publishers so similar incidents cannot happen again.
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