eBay, ex-execs pay about $56M to settle harassment case brought by critics

eBay and several former top executives agreed to pay about $55.7 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit by Massachusetts couple David and Ina Steiner of EcommerceBytes, who were targeted in a cyber-stalking campaign after their coverage of the company. The settlement breaks down as roughly $46.15 million to the Steiners, $6 million for charitable contributions, and additional sums including $2 million personally from former CEO Devin Wenig plus a $1 million charity gift, plus $500,000 from Wendy Jones and $50,000 from Steve Wymer, with settlements also reached with other named employees. The harassment allegedly involved cockroaches, fly larvae, a bloody Halloween pig mask, and surveillance, including GPS tracking. eBay had already paid a $3 million fine in 2024.