Former eBay executives settle harassment lawsuit for $56 million after sending live spiders, bloody pig mask to critics

Published Jul 30, 04:00 PM UTC

Former eBay executives, including ex-CEO Devin Wenig, have agreed to pay nearly $56 million to settle a civil lawsuit brought by David and Ina Steiner, publishers of the e-commerce trade publication EcommerceBytes. The lawsuit alleged a coordinated harassment campaign in 2019 that included sending live spiders, cockroaches, a bloody pig mask, a funeral wreath, and a book on grieving a spouse's death to the Steiners' home. The campaign also involved stalking, attempted vehicle tracking, and posting the couple's address online. Under the settlement, the Steiners will receive $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from Wenig, and $550,000 from two other ex-executives, plus $7 million in charitable donations. The Steiners said the litigation took a physical, mental, and financial toll, and they hope the settlement deters future corporate misconduct.