eBay, Former Execs Settle $55.7M Cyberstalking Suit with Massachusetts Couple
eBay and three former executives settled a $55.7 million harassment lawsuit with a Massachusetts couple.
Why it matters: This case spotlights rising legal risks for corporate leaders facing liabilities linked to online harassment and cybersecurity. Legal professionals must assess how such exposures affect compliance and risk management obligations.
- $55.7 million total settlement paid by eBay, ex-CEO Devin Wenig, and two other former execs.
- $48.7 million compensates David and Ina Steiner for a 2019 harassment and cyberstalking campaign.
- Seven former eBay employees faced criminal charges in 2020; most pleaded guilty and received prison or home confinement sentences.
- eBay paid a $3 million criminal penalty in 2024 under a deferred prosecution agreement—a legal deal to avoid trial by meeting certain conditions.
eBay and three former executives agreed to pay $55.7 million to resolve a civil harassment lawsuit brought by David and Ina Steiner, a Massachusetts couple who endured an intense campaign of harassment and cyberstalking in 2019. The Boston Globe reports eBay will cover $46.15 million, with ex-CEO Devin Wenig paying $2 million, former SVP Wendy Jones $500,000, and ex-Chief Communications Officer Steve Wymer $50,000.
The harassment included disturbing deliveries such as live insects, a bloody pig mask, a funeral wreath, and a book about surviving a spouse’s death. Neighbors also received pornographic materials falsely sent under David Steiner’s name, as detailed by AP News. In 2020, seven former eBay employees pleaded criminal charges related to the harassment; most pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison or home confinement.
Beyond direct compensation, $7 million will fund nonprofits supporting First Amendment rights—$6 million from eBay and $1 million from Wenig, in Ina Steiners name. The settlement allows the couple to speak openly about their experience, as it does not include a confidentiality clause.
eBay also announced plans to publicly address misconduct by former executives involved in the case. Earlier in 2024, the company paid a $3 million criminal penalty under a deferred prosecution agreement, which is a legal deal allowing the government to suspend prosecution in exchange for meeting specified compliance requirements.
Attorney Christopher Murphy said, "Our clients sought to uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable, deter future corporate misconduct, and help ensure others never endure what they faced." Devin Wenig emphasized his support for First Amendment rights, stating they were "always protected."
By the numbers:
- $55.7 million — total settlement amount
- Seven — former eBay employees criminally charged in 2020
- $3 million — eBay's criminal penalty paid in 2024 under deferred prosecution agreement