eBay agreed to pay nearly $56 million [1] to settle a lawsuit brought by Massachusetts journalists David and Ina Steiner.
The settlement follows allegations that the company orchestrated a systematic campaign of harassment to intimidate the couple and stop their critical reporting on the business. This case highlights the potential for corporate surveillance and retaliation against journalists who expose internal misconduct.
The couple, who reside in Natick, Massachusetts [6], alleged they were targeted by a campaign involving cyberstalking and physical threats. The lawsuit detailed a series of disturbing incidents, including the delivery of live cockroaches, and a bloody-pig mask to their home [3]. These actions were allegedly designed to silence the Steiners' work regarding the company.
Reports on the exact settlement figure vary across sources. The Guardian reported the total as $55.7 million [2], while other reports cited the amount as nearly $56 million [1]. One report from the NY Post said the amount was nearly $50 million [4].
According to a breakdown provided by Local12, the agreement includes $46 million paid directly to the Steiners, and $6 million designated for nonprofit organizations [3]. The settlement was announced on July 28 [5].
The harassment campaign allegedly involved the use of security employees and former executives to track and terrorize the couple [3]. The legal action sought to hold the company accountable for the psychological toll and safety risks created by the stalking efforts.
“eBay agreed to pay nearly $56 million to settle a lawsuit”
This settlement represents a significant financial penalty for a corporation accused of using illegal stalking and intimidation tactics to suppress the press. By awarding millions to both the victims and nonprofits, the court outcome signals a low tolerance for corporate efforts to silence journalists through physical and psychological warfare.
