Home / Crime and Justice / eBay Stalkers: A Reporter's Nightmare
eBay Stalkers: A Reporter's Nightmare
11 Aug
Summary
- Couple faced a relentless stalking campaign from eBay employees.
- eBay executives ordered an aggressive campaign to silence reporters.
- The harassment campaign included disturbing deliveries and threats.
Ina and David Steiner, journalists who chronicled the rise of Silicon Valley, found themselves at the center of a harrowing ordeal orchestrated by eBay, the company they had covered for two decades. What began as a passion project, EcommerceBytes, evolved into a targeted harassment campaign in 2019. The Steiners received deeply disturbing deliveries at their suburban Boston home, including live spiders and a bloody pig mask, alongside online threats and doxxing attempts.
This aggressive campaign was reportedly driven by pressure on eBay and embarrassment over reporting on executive compensation, with former CEO Devin Wenig allegedly stating, "Take her down." The company's security chief, James Baugh, was accused of directing a team to harass the couple. The cyberstalking charges brought against seven eBay executives and employees by the Department of Justice underscored the severity of the situation.
After a protracted six-year legal battle, the Steiners secured a $55.7 million settlement from eBay in 2024. This settlement, which included a criminal penalty for eBay and personal contributions from former executives, acknowledged the company's fault. Despite the resolution, the Steiners continue to grapple with PTSD and anxiety stemming from the ordeal, illustrating the profound and lasting impact of such targeted harassment on journalists.
The documentary "Whatever It Takes" chronicles the Steiners' experience, bringing to light the extreme measures taken against them. Their resilience in continuing to publish EcommerceBytes emphasizes their commitment to journalism and integrity, even after facing such severe professional and personal threats.
