EBay to pay nearly $56M to couple over stalking lawsuit

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A federal jury has ordered eBay to pay nearly $56 million to Massachusetts couple David and Ina Steiner, who said they were targeted in a harassment campaign after publishing critical coverage of the company on their e-commerce news website.

What the lawsuit alleged

The Steiners claimed they were subjected to a systematic campaign of intimidation intended to silence their reporting. According to court testimony, the harassment included:

• Threatening messages.

• Unwanted deliveries to their home.

• Anonymous and disturbing packages.

• Surveillance and stalking by individuals later linked to former eBay employees.

The couple argued the campaign caused severe emotional and psychological distress.

The verdict

A federal jury awarded the Steiners approximately $56 million in damages, finding eBay liable for its role in the conduct.

The case stems from a 2019 incident in which several former eBay employees were criminally charged for orchestrating the harassment campaign. Multiple defendants later pleaded guilty to federal crimes related to stalking and cyberstalking.

eBay's response

eBay has previously condemned the actions of the former employees, stating that their conduct did not reflect the company's values. The company has said it has taken steps to strengthen oversight and corporate governance since the incident.

Bottom line

The nearly $56 million jury award marks a significant legal outcome in a case involving one of the most unusual corporate harassment scandals in recent years. The Steiners said the campaign was intended to frighten them into stopping their reporting, while the verdict holds eBay responsible for the actions connected to its former employees.