eBay agrees $56m settlement with bloggers over harassment case
Summary
eBay and some former executives agreed to pay $56 million to a couple who were harassed after criticizing the company online. The harassment included threats and disturbing gifts, leading to criminal guilty pleas from seven former executives and a settlement with eBay.Key Facts
- David and Ina Steiner ran a website that sometimes criticized eBay.
- In 2019, former eBay executives harassed the Steiners with actions like sending a mask covered in pig’s blood and a funeral wreath.
- The harassment also included threatening messages on social media and attempts to install a tracking device on their car.
- Seven former eBay executives pleaded guilty to crimes related to the harassment between 2022 and 2024.
- eBay was criminally charged, entered a deferred prosecution agreement, and agreed to pay a $3 million fine.
- eBay and former executives agreed to pay the Steiners $56 million, including donations to nonprofits.
- Former eBay CEO Wenig personally paid $1 million to a charity supporting free speech, in the name of Ina Steiner.
- The settlement is meant to show that companies and executives cannot engage in harassment without consequences.
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