A Campaign of Terror Unveiled
eBay and several former executives have reached a landmark $55.7 million settlement with Massachusetts journalists Ina and David Steiner, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle that exposed a disturbing corporate cyberstalking campaign. The couple, who operate the independent newsletter EcommerceBytes, were subjected to a campaign of harassment and intimidation in 2019 after publishing articles critical of the e-commerce giant.
The harassment orchestrated by former eBay employees included a barrage of disturbing deliveries to the Steiners' home in Natick, Massachusetts. These unsettling packages contained items such as a bloody pig mask, live spiders, cockroaches, fly larvae, a funeral wreath, and a book on surviving the death of a spouse. Beyond the physical deliveries, the campaign extended to online threats, pornographic magazines sent to their neighbors, and their home being listed on Craigslist as a destination for "singles, couples and swingers." The severity of the harassment led the Steiners to sleep in separate rooms, fearing a home invasion.
The Corporate Connection and Accountability
The cyberstalking campaign was initiated after then-CEO Devin Wenig reportedly texted his chief communications officer, Steve Wymer, stating it was time to "take her down," referring to Ina Steiner. Wymer, in turn, allegedly told eBay's former security team lead to do "whatever it takes" to silence her. While Wenig has maintained he had no knowledge of the harassment campaign and that his messages advocated for a public relations strategy, prosecutors cited these internal communications as evidence of the intent to silence the Steiners.
Seven former eBay employees and contractors, including the company's head of security, James Baugh, pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to their roles in the scheme. Some of these individuals received prison sentences, with the ringleader sentenced to 57 months in federal prison. In 2024, eBay itself was criminally charged and agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty and undertake corrective actions.
Details of the Historic Settlement
The comprehensive settlement, announced on July 27, 2026, includes $48.7 million in compensation directly to Ina and David Steiner. This compensation comprises $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig, $500,000 from former SVP of Global Operations Wendy Jones, and $50,000 from former Chief Communications Officer Steve Wymer.
In addition to the direct compensation, the settlement allocates $6 million in charitable contributions from eBay to various nonprofit organizations. Notably, Devin Wenig will also contribute an additional $1 million to a charity dedicated to protecting First Amendment rights, made in Ina Steiner's name. A significant aspect of this resolution is the absence of any confidentiality restrictions, allowing the Steiners to openly discuss the case and the evidence uncovered during the years of litigation. This transparency stands in contrast to many corporate settlements and underscores the public interest in this case.