eBay and Ex-Executives Reach Settlement in Cyberstalking Lawsuit Filed by Journalist Duo
eBay has settled with two journalists who had filed a lawsuit against the company after experiencing a disturbing episode of cyberstalking and harassment carried out by its employees. To recap the unsettling details, David and Ida Steiner, who operate a newsletter and website titled EcommerceBytes, became targets after Mrs. Steiner published articles about eBay in 2019. The former CEO of eBay, Devin Wenig, reportedly expressed his displeasure over these articles. Evidence presented by prosecutors indicates that Wenig instructed his communications head to “take her down.” While Wenig maintains that this was intended as a standard public relations maneuver, the communications executive then went on to tell eBay’s former head of security to do “whatever it takes” to intimidate the Steiners.
Following these instructions, eBay’s security team embarked on a campaign of cyberstalking and harassment. The Steiners received online threats and disturbing packages at their home, which included live cockroaches, a bloody pig mask, a funeral wreath, and a book on coping with the loss of a spouse. In 2020, seven eBay security personnel faced charges and entered guilty pleas regarding the situation, while the executives allegedly responsible for initiating the harassment faced no immediate consequences.
Under the terms of the settlement announced today, the Steiners will receive a total of $46.15 million from eBay, along with additional payments of $2 million from Wenig, $500,000 from former executive Wendy Jones, and $50,000 from former executive Steve Wymer. Furthermore, eBay has pledged $6 million to various charitable organizations, and Wenig will contribute $1 million in Ina Steiner’s name to a charity that advocates for First Amendment rights.
According to Christopher Murphy from Scalli Murphy Law, which represented the Steiners, “This case was always about more than just financial restitution. Our clients aimed to unveil the truth, safeguard journalists and publishers, hold responsible parties accountable, deter future misconduct by corporations, and ensure that others would not face similar experiences.”
In a statement, eBay acknowledged the actions of its former employees in 2019, saying, “The behavior the Steiners endured was intolerable and should never have taken place. It does not reflect the values of eBay or the conduct of our thousands of employees worldwide. Since then, new leadership has taken charge, and we have made significant improvements to our policies, controls, and training to promote a culture of ethical conduct.”
Wenig also shared his thoughts, stating, “No one should have to go through what the Steiners encountered. It deeply saddens me, particularly since it happened during my tenure as CEO. The harassment was conducted covertly, without my awareness, as confirmed by an independent investigation and the testimony of those involved. This behavior contradicts my values and what I advocate.”
He added, “The Steiners’ right to publish and the importance of press freedom are causes I staunchly support. I am pleased that a portion of my settlement will help a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding the freedom of the press.”
Update, July 28, 7:25PM ET: This article has been updated to include a statement from former eBay CEO Devin Wenig.
