Natick Couple Wins $56M After eBay Harassment Campaign

After six years of fighting back against a terror campaign that could have silenced them forever, two journalists just secured justice and $56 million to prove corporations can't bully the truth away.

Ina and David Steiner run EcommerceBytes, a small news site covering online commerce. In 2019, their critical reporting on eBay sparked something unthinkable: seven company employees launched a coordinated harassment campaign against them that felt straight out of a thriller.

The group mailed the couple bloody pig masks and live insects. They sent pornographic magazines to neighbors with the Steiners' names attached and delivered a book about surviving a spouse's death to their home. eBay employees followed the couple in their cars and even discussed breaking into their home or sending gang members to frighten them.

After reporting the incidents to Natick police, a federal investigation uncovered the conspiracy. Seven eBay employees were convicted in federal court for their roles in the harassment.

The couple filed a civil lawsuit in 2021, and this week announced a landmark settlement. They'll receive $48.7 million from eBay and three former executives, including $2 million from former CEO David Wenig. The company will donate another $7 million to charities protecting First Amendment rights and helping victims of corporate abuse.

David Steiner, 67, told reporters the seven-year battle left scars. The harassment damaged their reputation, their finances, and their health. Google searches for their news site now return stalking stories instead of their journalism work spanning 27 years.

Why This Inspires

The Steiners made one demand that wasn't about money: no nondisclosure agreement. As journalists, they insisted on telling their story publicly, refusing to let eBay buy their silence along with a settlement.

Their attorney Christopher Murphy said the couple knew exactly what they wanted from day one: accountability, answers, and protection for free speech. They wanted to prove that big business can't bully the little guy into submission.

eBay issued a statement calling the 2019 actions "wrong and reprehensible," condemning the employees involved. The company must also release a strongly worded public statement about the conduct of the executives and the toxic corporate culture that enabled the harassment.

The Steiners initially wanted a trial to force executives to testify under oath. But facing years more litigation and appeals well into their 70s, they chose closure over endless fighting. Seven years was enough.

Their victory sends a clear message: journalists who hold power accountable deserve protection, and corporations that weaponize their resources against critics will pay the price.