The background to the case lies in the events where former Ebay employees sent physical packages to David and Ina Steiner, founders of the newsletter EcommerceBytes, after they published articles about the company. Among the packages were live insects, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig mask. The employees also sent messages and planned to attach a GPS tracker to the couple's car. The events have also been depicted in the documentary "Whatever It Takes: The Ebay Scandal" which streams on Prime Video.
Of the total settlement amount, $48.7 million will go towards financial compensation for the Steiner couple. Ebay is responsible for $46.15 million of this sum. Former CEO Devin Wenig will pay $2 million, former COO Wendy Jones will pay $500,000, and former Communications Chief Steve Wymer will pay $50,000. In addition, $7 million will be allocated to various charitable organizations. As part of this, Devin Wenig will donate $1 million in Ina Steiner's name to an organization focused on protecting freedom of speech.
The settlement contains no confidentiality clauses. Ina Steiner commented on the decision, emphasizing the goal that the process should serve as a deterrent.
David and I agreed that this settlement should and must be made public – as victims who want to prevent something similar from ever happening to anyone else, and as reporters who believe in transparency, stated Ina Steiner.
The couple's attorney, Chris Murphy, highlighted that their clients' goal from the beginning was to reveal the truth, protect journalists, and hold those involved accountable to prevent future corporate misconduct.
Ebay also published an official statement in connection with the settlement, in which the company distances itself from the actions of the former employees.
What the Steiners experienced at the hands of former Ebay employees in 2019 was wrong, reprehensible, and should never have happened, the company wrote.
They added that they condemn the employees who carried out and pleaded guilty to the crimes, and admitted that internal communication between the then-managers showed an unprofessional tone. The company also pointed out that management has since been replaced and that new guidelines have been introduced to maintain the company's ethical standards.
Seven former Ebay employees have previously been convicted in the criminal proceedings surrounding the events, and several have served prison sentences. In 2024, Ebay also paid $3 million in fines through a separate settlement with the US Department of Justice.