eBay strikes a deal with couple who claimed in $500m lawsuit that tech giant sent them cockroaches and funeral wreaths

eBay has reached a settlement with David and Ina Steiner, a Massachusetts couple who sued the company for $500 million, alleging a deliberate harassment campaign. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, detailed disturbing incidents beginning in 2019, including the sending of live insects, a bloody pig mask, and funeral wreaths to the couple’s home. Employees also reportedly stalked the Steiners and issued threats online. Seven former eBay employees have pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to the harassment, with two receiving prison sentences. The Steiners’ lawsuit also accused then-CEO Devin Wenig of initiating the campaign after an unfavorable article appeared in the couple’s newsletter, EcommerceBytes. Wenig has denied knowledge of the scheme. While the settlement terms remain undisclosed, the case was dismissed by a U.S. District Judge. eBay Inc. previously agreed to a $3 million criminal penalty in connection with the case. David Steiner described the ordeal as “a living hell” and expressed concern about the case setting a precedent for corporate responses to critical reporting.

(Source：Yahoo! News)