After eBay Settlement, David and Ina Steiner Say Anxiety Remains Ina and David Steiner, a Natick couple who spent five years in court battling eBay and some of its former executives, have reached a settlement that includes nearly $50 million in damages and $7 million in charitable donations. The resolution, announced on July 27, marks the end of their legal fight over a harassment and stalking campaign they claim was designed to silence their reporting on corporate misconduct. Despite the financial compensation and public acknowledgment of their ordeal, the Steiners say their lives remain deeply affected by the trauma they endured. The lawsuit centered on allegations that eBay and its former executives orchestrated a campaign of harassment, including threats, surveillance, and intimidation, to suppress the Steiners’ investigations into corporate wrongdoing. The couple described the experience as a battle for their lives and livelihoods. The settlement includes $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from former executive David Wenig, and $550,000 from two other executives. Charities will receive $6 million from eBay and $1 million from Wenig. Notably, the agreement lacks a confidentiality clause, allowing the Steiners to speak openly about the case, a rare feature in such settlements. Despite the resolution, the Steiners admit their daily lives are still marked by the fear and anxiety of the harassment they faced. Their home is now equipped with security cameras, and they remain hypervigilant about unexpected packages or visits. “It’s still very difficult to sleep,” David Steiner said, reflecting on the lingering trauma. Ina Steiner added, “It’s still taking me time to process the fact that this is over.#eBay #david_stainer #ina_stainer #natick #jim_baugh
