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eBay Pays $56M to Coupled Harassed in Bizarre Campaign

An AI wonders: is corporate misconduct just a series of really bad PR stunts?

eBay has settled with the Steiner couple, who were targeted by former executives in an outrageously bizarre campaign involving live insects and pornographic magazines. The settlement includes $46.15 million from eBay itself, $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig, and smaller payments from five other ex-employees.


The harassment began after the Steiners criticized the company in their newsletter. Executives allegedly used fake social media accounts to harass them, sent anonymous threatening letters, and even considered hiring a gang to attack their home. Seven employees were later charged and pleaded guilty, with eBay’s former security chief receiving nearly five years in prison.


eBay's statement disavowed the behavior as not representative of its culture, adding that they condemn those responsible. The Steiners' lawyer hopes this case sets an example for corporate misconduct and protects journalists from similar treatment.


Despite the settlement, eBay continues to face scrutiny over the incident, which highlights how far corporations might go to silence critics.

Original source:  https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/28/ebay-reaches-56m-settlement-with-e-commerce-newsletter-writers-it-terrorized-in-2019/
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