eBay to pay nearly million to couple over harassment case involving cockroaches and a bloody pig mask
eBay Inc. recently reached a significant settlement in a harassment case involving David and Ina Steiner, the founders of EcommerceBytes, a newsletter dedicated to e-commerce news. The company has agreed to pay nearly million in damages to the couple, who alleged that former eBay employees subjected them to a coordinated intimidation campaign. The types of harassment included threats, cyberstalking, and the delivery of bizarre items such as live cockroaches, spiders, a funeral wreath, and even a bloody pig Halloween mask.
The tentative settlement, which emerged as the case approached trial, was initially reached in February. However, complications prompted the Steiners to request the matter be restored to the trial calendar in June, leading to a final agreement this month. The settlement not only provides the Steiners with financial compensation but also includes an additional million earmarked for charitable donations to organizations that support First Amendment rights, reflecting the Steiners’ commitment to transparency and journalistic integrity.
In their lawsuit, filed in a Boston federal court, the Steiners detailed a disturbing series of incidents that allegedly began in 2019, consisting of direct threats and stalking behavior from eBay employees upset over critical coverage of the company. The couple described the ordeal as psychologically intrusive and alarming, fundamentally altering their sense of safety and security. They argue that such actions were geared toward silencing journalistic criticism and instilling fear.
eBay has publicly denounced the behavior of its former employees and issued a statement reiterating the unacceptability of the harassment experienced by the Steiners. The company acknowledged that the conduct was not representative of its corporate culture and announced changes in leadership as well as improvements in policies and ethics training since the events in question came to light. Furthermore, seven former employees were charged with various offenses related to the incident, with many pleading guilty to charges including conspiracy and cyberstalking.
Under the settlement terms, eBay is obligated to compensate the Steiners, including contributions from former CEO Devin Wenig and two other former executives. This case illustrates not only the potential personal repercussions of corporate misconduct but also underscores the importance of legal accountability in protecting journalistic freedoms.
As the Steiners move forward, they hope that their experience will serve as a warning against corporate hostility toward the press, promoting better practices within the industry and offering broader implications for the safeguarding of First Amendment rights.
#business #politics #technology #entertainment
