07/28/2026
A landmark result, more than six years in the making.
In 2019, journalists David and Ina Steiner walked into our office because eBay operatives were stalking and harassing them in a campaign designed to stop their reporting. We were the first law firm involved, and we helped the Steiners bring in the Natick police and the FBI. Seven eBay employees and contractors later pleaded guilty in federal court, and eBay itself paid the maximum criminal fine under a Deferred Prosecution Agreement.
Today we are proud to announce the resolution of the civil litigation: a $55.7 million settlement that includes:
- $48.7 million in compensation to the Steiners, including personal payments from former eBay executives
- $6 million in charitable contributions funded by eBay, plus $1 million from the former CEO to a First Amendment charity in Ina Steiner's name
- A public statement by eBay regarding the conduct of its former executives
- No confidentiality restrictions: the Steiners are free to tell their story
"This case was always about more than obtaining financial recovery. From the beginning, our clients wanted to uncover the truth, protect journalists and publishers, hold those responsible accountable, deter future corporate misconduct, and help ensure others would never have to endure what they experienced." - Christopher Murphy
Corporations and their executives cannot engage in this type of misconduct without facing significant consequences.
Full announcement:
Scalli Murphy Law announces a landmark $55.7 million civil rights settlement resolving the cyberstalking litigation brought by David and Ina Steiner against eBay and former eBay executives.
