eBay to Pay $56 Million Over Harassment Campaign Against Critics

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San Jose: eBay has agreed to pay $56 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a Massachusetts couple who were targeted in a harassment campaign after publishing critical coverage of the company on their news website.

David and Ina Steiner, who run EcommerceBytes, said the settlement ends legal action over a 2019 campaign in which former eBay executives sent them threatening items, including a funeral wreath, a pig's blood-stained mask and disturbing messages. Investigators also found that some executives travelled to the couple's home and attempted to install a tracking device on their car.

Seven former eBay executives pleaded guilty to criminal charges linked to the harassment between 2022 and 2024. US authorities described the campaign as unprecedented and relentless.

Former eBay chief executive Devin Wenig, who left the company in 2019, will personally contribute $1 million to the settlement. The payment will be donated to a charity supporting First Amendment rights in Ina Steiner's name.

eBay acknowledged the harassment was "wrong" and "reprehensible", saying it should never have happened. The company said the settlement reflects its commitment to fairly compensate the Steiners and bring the matter to a close.

Pic Credit: AFP