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eBay to pay nearly $50 million after employees reportedly harassed a couple
Fortune • • nation
Key Points:
- A new settlement announced resolves a six-year legal battle between eBay and David and Ina Steiner, founders of EcommerceBytes, following a harassment campaign by former eBay employees aimed at silencing their reporting.
- The Steiners will receive $48.7 million in total compensation, including $46.15 million from eBay and personal payments from former executives, alongside $7 million in charitable donations supporting First Amendment rights.
- The settlement includes no confidentiality clause, allowing the Steiners to speak openly about the case, and requires eBay to publicly address the misconduct of former executives involved.
- eBay apologized for the harassment, acknowledged unprofessional internal communications by former leadership, and stated it has since improved its policies, leadership, and ethics training.
- The resolution follows criminal charges against seven former eBay employees for conspiracy and cyberstalking, with most pleading guilty and receiving sentences, and eBay paying a $3 million criminal penalty in 2024.
