What Did eBay Employees Actually Do to the Steiners?

In 2019, a coordinated harassment campaign was launched against Ina and David Steiner, the couple behind the e-commerce newsletter and website EcommerceBytes. Employees from eBay's security team sent threatening online messages and a series of deeply disturbing physical items to the couple's home.

The items included live cockroaches, a blood-stained pig mask, a funeral wreath, and a book about coping with the loss of a spouse — all designed to intimidate and silence Ina Steiner, whose critical reporting had reportedly angered then-CEO Devin Wenig.

Who Ordered the Campaign?

According to court documents, Wenig instructed eBay's communications department to "take her down." The communications executive then allegedly told the head of the security team to do "whatever it takes" to silence Steiner. By 2020, seven eBay security team employees had pleaded guilty to their roles in the stalking scheme.

How Much Will eBay Pay?

The settlement reached between eBay, former executives, and the Steiners includes the following payments:

  • eBay: US$46.15 million to the Steiner couple
  • eBay: US$6 million donation to non-profit organizations
  • Devin Wenig (former CEO): US$2 million, plus US$1 million to a press freedom organization in Ina Steiner's name
  • Wendy Jones (former executive): US$500,000
  • Steve Wymer (former executive): US$50,000

What Did eBay Say?

In a statement reported by Engadget, eBay described the 2019 actions as "wrong, reprehensible, and should never have happened." The company stated the episode does not reflect its current culture and highlighted changes made since, including new leadership hires and strengthened internal policies, controls, and ethics training. Wenig said he regrets what happened to the journalists.

The Steiners' attorney, Christopher Murphy, said the goal of the lawsuit was to expose what happened, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent other journalists and publishers from facing similar situations.

Key Facts:
  • Campaign took place in 2019 against EcommerceBytes journalists Ina and David Steiner
  • Items sent included live cockroaches, a pig mask, a funeral wreath, and a grief book
  • Seven eBay security employees pleaded guilty in 2020
  • eBay will pay US$46.15 million to the couple and donate US$6 million to nonprofits
  • Former CEO Devin Wenig will pay US$2 million plus US$1 million to a press freedom group