eBay to Pay $46M to Couple for Cockroach Stalking Campaign

A Massachusetts couple is set to receive a hefty payout after former eBay employees allegedly sent them cockroaches, a bloody pig mask, and a funeral wreath. The online marketplace has agreed to pay $46 million, plus an additional $6 million in charitable donations, to David and Ina Steiner.

The couple runs the website EcommerceBytes, where Ina wrote articles that angered eBay executives in 2019. CEO Devin Wenig reportedly told his communications chief, "Take her down," according to the New York Times. This sparked a campaign of harassment and intimidation.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts charged seven eBay employees, all of whom pleaded guilty. The company also paid a $3 million fine to the government. The civil settlement was announced on Monday by the Steiners' law firm.

eBay issued a statement saying the actions were "wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened." The company condemned the behavior and acknowledged the "unprofessional tone" in internal communications. They extended their "deepest apologies" to the Steiners.

This case highlights the dangers of corporate overreach and the importance of protecting journalists and critics. The Steiners' ordeal has become a cautionary tale about cyberstalking and corporate accountability.