Archive · 29 Jul 2026
eBay Settles $56 Million Lawsuit Over Harassment Campaign
eBay and some of its former top executives have agreed to pay nearly $56 million to settle a lawsuit with a couple who were harassed because they wrote critical articles about eBay.
The couple, David and Ina Steiner, received scary packages like live cockroaches and a funeral wreath.
eBay employees also spied on them and tried to track their car.
The Steiners sued eBay in 2021 and won.
eBay admitted the harassment was wrong and will pay $48.7 million to the couple and $6 million to charities.
The former CEO, Devin Wenig, will also donate $1 million to a free speech charity.
eBay and former executives agree to pay $56 million to settle a harassment lawsuit with the Steiners.
The Steiners received threatening packages, including live cockroaches and a funeral wreath.
eBay employees spied on the couple and attempted to place a GPS tracker on their car.
The Steiners filed a civil suit in 2021 and won, receiving $48.7 million in compensation.
eBay will donate $6 million to charitable organizations, and former CEO Devin Wenig will donate $1 million to a free speech charity.
- Who
- David and Ina Steiner (plaintiffs), eBay and former executives (defendants)
- What
- Settlement of a civil lawsuit over harassment and cyberstalking
- When
- Harassment began in August 2019; lawsuit filed in 2021
- Where
- Natick, Massachusetts
- Why
- eBay sought to intimidate the Steiners for critical reporting
eBay's Perspective
Steiner's Perspective
Nature of the Campaign
eBay's Perspective
eBay acknowledges the campaign was wrong and reprehensible but does not elaborate on the extent of the harassment.
Steiner's Perspective
The Steiners describe the campaign as terrifying, involving live cockroaches, funeral wreaths, and invasive surveillance.
Response to Criticism
eBay's Perspective
eBay claims they did not like the media coverage and wanted to address it internally.
Steiner's Perspective
The Steiners view the campaign as an attempt to silence their critical reporting through intimidation.
- Total Settlement Amount
- $56 million
- Compensation to Steiners
- $48.7 million
- Charitable Donation
- $6 million
- Devin Wenig's Contribution
- $1 million to a free speech charity
- Duration of Harassment
- Began in August 2019
- Location of Harassment
- Natick, Massachusetts
- Nature of Deliveries
- Live cockroaches, fly larvae, spiders, bloody pig mask, funeral wreath, book on surviving spouse loss
- Additional Harassment Tactics
- Listing home address on Craigslist, unsolicited food deliveries, surveillance, GPS tracking attempts