eBay to pay nearly $50 million to couple sent cockroaches, bloody pig mask

On July 28, 2026, eBay agreed to pay nearly $50 million to a Massachusetts couple who were subjected to a bizarre harassment campaign orchestrated by former company executives. The settlement resolves a lawsuit stemming from a 2019 stalking scandal in which the couple received disturbing deliveries, including live cockroaches and a bloody pig mask.

The victims, a Natick couple who published an online newsletter critical of eBay, were targeted by a group of former eBay employees and executives. According to reports, the harassment included sending threatening messages, conducting surveillance, and delivering unsettling items to their home. The couple filed a lawsuit against eBay, alleging the company failed to prevent the actions of its employees.

The case drew widespread attention due to the extreme nature of the harassment and the involvement of high-ranking corporate officials. It highlighted issues of corporate accountability and the lengths to which individuals might go to silence critics. The settlement is seen as a significant acknowledgment of the harm caused to the couple and a warning to corporations about the consequences of employee misconduct.

The total settlement amount is $55.7 million, with eBay agreeing to pay nearly $50 million and the remaining sum to be covered by the former executives involved. The harassment campaign occurred in 2019, and the lawsuit was filed in 2021. The couple received items such as live cockroaches, a bloody pig mask, and a book on surviving the loss of a spouse.

In 2020, several former eBay employees were criminally charged for their roles in the harassment. They pleaded guilty to various offenses, including cyberstalking and witness tampering. The company conducted an internal investigation and cooperated with authorities, leading to the termination of those involved. The settlement brings closure to the civil case, though the criminal proceedings have already concluded.

The settlement is expected to be finalized pending court approval. It serves as a landmark case in corporate harassment litigation, potentially influencing how companies handle internal misconduct and protect individuals from employee-driven campaigns. The couple's attorney stated that the resolution provides a measure of justice and underscores the importance of holding corporations accountable for the actions of their agents.