eBay and former executives settle harassment case for $55.7M

A Massachusetts couple who publish an e-commerce newsletter have reached a $55.7 million settlement with eBay and three former executives, concluding a civil lawsuit over a coordinated harassment campaign by company employees. The agreement, announced on July 28, 2026, resolves claims brought by David and Ina Steiner, founders of the newsletter EcommerceBytes, following years of criminal proceedings.

The Steiners will receive $48.7 million in compensation, including $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig, $500,000 from former senior vice president Wendy Jones, and $50,000 from former chief communications officer Steve Wymer. Additionally, eBay will fund $6 million in charitable contributions, and Wenig will donate $1 million to a nonprofit dedicated to protecting First Amendment rights in Ina Steiner's name. The settlement contains no confidentiality provision, allowing the couple to speak publicly about their experience.

The civil case, filed in 2021, stemmed from a harassment campaign federal prosecutors say was orchestrated by several eBay employees in the summer of 2019. According to court documents, executives grew frustrated with the Steiners'...