eBay and Former Executives Agree to Pay $56 Million to E-Commerce Newsletter Couple Terrorized in 2019 Harassment Campaign That Included Sending Cockroaches, a Bloody Pig Mask, and a Funeral Wreath

I’ve heard of some crazy stories, but this one tops them all.

eBay and three of its former top executives have agreed to a massive $55.7 million settlement to resolve a civil lawsuit brought by a Massachusetts couple who were targeted in a bizarre, relentless cyberstalking and harassment campaign by company employees.

A Campaign of Terror

David and Ina Steiner, publishers of the newsletter EcommerceBytes, became targets after senior executives grew furious over their critical coverage of the e-commerce giant. What followed was an unbelievable retaliation scheme designed to silence them.

Beginning in August 2019, eBay security staff launched a campaign aimed at intimidating the couple. The harassment included sending horrifying packages to their home—such as live cockroaches, fly larvae, a bloody pig mask, and a funeral wreath. Employees even flew from California to Natick, Massachusetts, to spy on the Steiners in person and attempt to attach a GPS tracker to their car.

Seven former eBay employees eventually pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges, receiving prison sentences of up to 57 months. eBay itself faced criminal charges and paid a $3 million fine in 2024.

The Breakdown of the $55.7 Million Settlement

The civil settlement, announced late Monday, officially closes the lawsuit the couple filed in Boston federal court back in 2021.

 eBay’s Portion: The company will pay $46.15 million directly to the Steiners, donate $6 million to charitable organizations, and issue a formal, strongly worded statement condemning the actions of the executives involved.

 Former CEO Devin Wenig: Text messages revealed that Wenig told his chief communications officer, Steve Wymer, to “take her down” regarding Ina Steiner shortly before the stalking began. While never criminally charged—maintaining he was only advocating for a public relations strategy—Wenig will personally pay $2 million to the Steiners and donate $1 million to a First Amendment charity in Ina Steiner’s name.

 Other Executives: Former Senior VP of Global Operations Wendy Jones will pay $500,000, and former Chief Communications Officer Steve Wymer will pay $50,000.

 Other Staff: Additional confidential settlements were reached with the remaining employees named in the suit.

Statements from the Parties

Christopher Murphy, attorney for the Steiners, noted that the resolution sends a clear message that corporations and their leadership cannot orchestrate this type of corporate misconduct without facing severe financial and legal consequences.

eBay released a statement acknowledging that the campaign was “wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened,” adding that the company continues to extend its deepest apologies to the couple.

Wenig also expressed remorse for what the Steiners endured during his tenure, stating, “This behavior is antithetical to everything I stand for and believe in.”