E-commerce giant eBay and several of its former executives have agreed to a $55.7 million settlement with a Massachusetts couple who were targeted in a cyberstalking and harassment campaign. Ina and David Steiner, who operate the trade publication wcvb.com from their Natick home, filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court in 2021. According to the Department of Justice, seven former eBay executives and employees were charged with cyberstalking in 2020, with multiple individuals ultimately pleading guilty to criminal charges and serving time in prison.
eBay and Former Executives Agree to Multi-Million Dollar Settlement
The 2019 Harassment Campaign and Surveillance
The campaign began in 2019 after eBay leaders became enraged by the couple’s newsletter coverage and critical reader comments regarding executive compensation and company policies. Federal prosecutors revealed that former CEO Devin Wenig sent text messages stating “take her down”, while former chief communications officer Steve Wymer wrote I want to see ashes. As long as it takes. Whatever it takes.
Former CIA employee Jim Baugh, whom eBay had hired to head its global security unit, orchestrated the operations. The harassment included online threats, anonymous deliveries of live spiders and roaches, a funeral wreath, a book about surviving the death of a spouse, and a bloody pig mask resembling the one from the horror movie “Saw”. Additionally, pornographic magazines were sent to the Steiners’ neighbors, and their home was listed on Craigslist as a nightly destination for swingers. On August 15, 2019, members of the security team traveled to Massachusetts, attempted to install a GPS tracking device on the couple’s vehicle, and followed David Steiner. The scheme unraveled after the Steiners reported the license plate number of their rental car to local police.
Financial Breakdown of the Settlement Resolution
Under the terms of the resolution, the Steiners will receive a total of $48.7 million. The financial breakdown includes:
- eBay: Paying $46.15 million directly to the Steiners, alongside a $6 million donation to various charities.
- Devin Wenig (Former CEO): Paying $2 million to the couple, plus an additional $1 million donation to a charity protecting First Amendment rights in Ina Steiner’s name.
- Steve Wymer (Former Chief Communications Officer): Paying $50,000.
- Wendy Jones (Former Chief of Global Operations): Paying $500,000.
Previously, eBay paid a $3 million criminal penalty in 2024 under a deferred prosecution agreement with federal authorities.
Statements From Legal Counsel and Corporate Leadership
Christopher Murphy, an attorney representing the Steiners, noted in a statement that the litigation was intended to uncover the truth, protect journalists, hold responsible parties accountable, and deter future corporate misconduct. We believe this resolution sends a clear message that corporations and their executives cannot engage in this type of misconduct without facing significant consequences,
Murphy said.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, eBay stated that we continue to extend our deepest apologies to the Steiners
and condemned the actions of the former employees. Wenig also issued a statement maintaining that his text messages referred to a legal publicity strategy and noting that the harassment occurred without his knowledge, while expressing sadness over what the couple endured during his tenure.
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