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eBay reaches $55.7 million settlement with Massachusetts couple that was "terrorized" in stalking scandal
CBS News • • business
Key Points:
- eBay has agreed to a $55.7 million settlement with Ina and David Steiner, victims of a harassment and cyberstalking campaign carried out by former eBay employees in 2019.
- The Steiners, who run the trade publication ECommerceBytes, faced disturbing threats and deliveries, including a bloody pig mask and live spiders, as well as false Craigslist listings and targeted mailings.
- Federal prosecutors charged seven eBay executives and employees in 2020, with some serving prison time; texts from former CEO Devin Wenig and former communications chief Steve Wymer revealed aggressive intent against the couple.
- The settlement includes $48.7 million to the Steiners, $6 million from eBay to charities, and additional donations from Wenig, who denies knowledge of the harassment despite his controversial texts.
- The Steiners' attorney emphasized the case's broader significance in holding corporations accountable and protecting journalists, while eBay issued a formal apology condemning the misconduct.
