Natick couple gets eBay and former execs to pay $56 million

Key Points:

• Seven eBay employees pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to a harassment campaign against journalists Ina and David Steiner, with four serving prison time, but no senior executives were criminally charged.
• eBay will pay the Steiners $46.15 million, while former CEO Devin Wenig will pay $2 million, former communications chief Steve Wymer $50,000, and former global operations chief Wendy Jones $500,000; the company also agreed to donate $6 million to charities.
• Wenig denies knowledge of the harassment campaign despite text messages showing him urging subordinates to "take her down," while the campaign involved threats, stalking, and disturbing deliveries orchestrated by former security head Jim Baugh.
• The Steiners' lawsuit highlighted the severe emotional distress caused by the harassment, which included physical surveillance and threatening messages, and the settlement notably lacks a confidentiality clause, allowing the Steiners to speak publicly.
• eBay acknowledged the wrongdoing and condemned the misconduct by its employees, with Wenig expressing sadness over the events but maintaining he was unaware of the campaign, which occurred during his tenure as CEO.