Ep 257 — That Time When EBay Lost Its Mind
Summary
In this episode of Law and Chaos, hosts Liz Di and Andrew Torres detail how eBay executives orchestrated a criminal harassment campaign against bloggers Ina and David Steiner. Security head Jim Ball stalked the couple, sending live cockroaches and threatening them, while top executives like CEO Devin Wenig encouraged the abuse via text. The story covers the subsequent criminal convictions, the protracted civil lawsuit involving settlement negotiations, and eBay’s eventual $5.6 million payout to the Steiners.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and Episode Introduction
The Steiners and eBay's Early History
eBay's Leadership Changes and Pressure
Conflict with Elliot Management and Ina Steiner
Jim Ball and the Security Team's Paranoia
Harassment Campaign and Stalking Begins
Ad Breaks and Escalation of Threats
Creepy Tactics and Failed Surveillance
Criminal Indictments and Sentencing
The Civil Lawsuit and Legal Theories
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
Jim Ball's Fifth Amendment and Negotiations
Settlement Disputes and Court Filings
State Secrets Privilege and Ad Breaks
Settlement Amounts and Aftermath
Credits and Final Sponsor Message
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