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Stop-Talking-to-Me Order Against Ex-Landlord Who Kept Texting Ex-Tenant About COVID Vaccines
United States🏛️ PoliticsCenter4 hr. ago

Stop-Talking-to-Me Order Against Ex-Landlord Who Kept Texting Ex-Tenant About COVID Vaccines

In the case Gonda v. Duering, decided by the Hawaii intermediate appellate court, Anaya Gonda sought a restraining order against her former landlord, Michael Duering, who allegedly harassed her with over 25 text messages discussing his beliefs about the negative effects of the COVID vaccine on her health. The harassment reportedly occurred both before and after Gonda moved out of the apartment in September 2023. Gonda claimed that Duering continued sending messages throughout late 2023 and into 2024, despite being explicitly told not to contact her. During the trial, Gonda’s boyfriend testified that Duering confronted them upon their arrival to retrieve belongings, leading to a police intervention. Duering argued that the court’s injunction violated his First Amendment rights by restricting his ability to express his views on vaccines. However, the court upheld the order, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to hold and express opinions, they cannot impose those views on others through harassing communication.

eBay Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $50 million to a Massachusetts couple who claimed they were targeted by former employees in a coordinated harassment campaign involving bizarre and threatening anonymous deliveries. The settlement, finalized Tuesday, marks the resolution of a protracted legal battle that spanned over six years and involved both criminal and civil proceedings. The couple, David and Ina Steiner, are co-founders of EcommerceBytes, an e-commerce industry newsletter. They alleged that former eBay executives orchestrated a campaign to intimidate and silence them after they began publishing critical reports about the company. According to court filings, the harassment included cyberstalking, death threats, and physical surveillance by former eBay workers. The campaign escalated to include anonymous deliveries of live cockroaches, spiders, a bloody pig Halloween mask, a funeral wreath, and even pornographic magazines sent to neighbors. The harassment reportedly culminated in plans to install a GPS tracker on the couple's vehicle and to send a so-called “Samoan gang” to their residence. These plans were never executed, though some actions were carried out. In 2020, federal prosecutors charged seven former eBay employees, accusing them of conspiring to carry out the harassment. All seven eventually pleaded guilty to charges related to cyberstalking and conspiracy, with some receiving prison sentences or home confinement. The case came to a head in 2021 when the Steiners filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court, alleging that eBay had conspired to intimidate, threaten, and silence them. The lawsuit detailed how the company’s former executives allegedly sought to stifle their reporting on eBay. The case was set for trial, but the parties reached a tentative settlement in February. However, the agreement could not be finalized until a new settlement was announced Tuesday. The final settlement includes a total payment of $56 million, with $46.15 million coming directly from eBay. Former CEO Devin Wenig contributed $2 million, while former Senior Vice President Wendy Jones and former Chief Communications Officer Steve Wymer each contributed $500,000 and $50,000 respectively. Additionally, the settlement includes $6 million in charitable donations to nonprofit organizations, including groups supporting First Amendment rights. The agreement does not contain a confidentiality clause, allowing the Steiners to speak publicly about the case. Their attorney, Christopher Murphy, emphasized that the settlement sends a clear message that businesses attempting to suppress speech and the press will not be tolerated. “This was not only an attack and campaign of harassment against two people; it was also an attack on free speech and freedom of the press,” Murphy said. eBay reiterated its condemnation of the actions taken by former employees, calling the behavior “wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened.” The company acknowledged the unprofessional tone in internal communications by former executives and stated that it has since changed leadership and improved its policies and ethics training. The company also issued a public statement addressing the conduct of former executives involved in the case. As the case concludes, the Steiners' experience highlights the potential dangers faced by journalists and critics of large corporations. The settlement underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for such misconduct and reinforces the need for robust protections for free expression.

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6 reports

Reason logoReasonParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 70yesterday
Court Upholds Stop-Posting-About-Your-Ex-Order, Based on Past Threats

A Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) against Kelly King, who was accused of repeatedly harassing her ex-partner, Kendra Brown. The order prohibits King from posting anything on social media referencing Brown, using her name, or engaging in third-party contact. The court cited multiple incidents of alleged harassment, including throwing drinks at Brown, trespassing, recording her during exercise, and showing up at her family events. Brown claimed she felt threatened due to King’s behavior and past criminal history. The court found Brown’s testimony credible and concluded that King’s actions posed an imminent risk of physical harm.

Bias read (Center): While the case involves legal proceedings and personal relationships, the framing of the article remains neutral, presenting both parties' perspectives without overt ideological slant. The focus is on the legal interpretation of the protective order rather than taking a clear stance on either side's

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about the legal case, including the names of the parties involved, the nature of the protective order, and specific incidents cited by the petitioner. It accurately reflects the court's decision and the rationale behind the order based on past threats and be

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the facts in a somewhat biased manner by emphasizing the petitioner's allegations and the court's decision to uphold the order. While it remains within the bounds of reporting the legal proceedings, it uses emotionally charged language such as 'numerous attempts to contact and h

ABC News (US) logoABC News (US)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 707 days ago
eBays agreed to pay nearly $50 million to couple sent cockroaches, bloody pig mask

eBay Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $50 million to a Massachusetts couple, David and Ina Steiner, who claimed that former employees of the company targeted them with threats and bizarre anonymous deliveries, including live insects, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig Halloween mask, as part of a harassment campaign. The settlement, which includes an additional $7 million in charitable donations, resolves over six years of legal action initiated by the Steiners in 2021. The couple, founders of EcommerceBytes, alleged that former eBay employees conspired to intimidate, threaten, and silence them for their critical reporting on the company. eBay issued an apology, acknowledging the misconduct of former employees and stating that such behavior does not reflect the company's current values. The settlement allows the Steiners to publicly discuss the case, and eBay is required to make a public statement regarding the actions of former executives involved.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts of the case neutrally, citing both the claims made by the Steiners and eBay's responses. It avoids taking a stance on whether the allegations are true or false, focusing instead on the legal process and outcomes. The framing remains balanced, with no overtly biased or煽

Why factuality (85): The article reports that eBay agreed to pay nearly $50 million to the couple, which differs significantly from the primary source document stating a settlement amount was not disclosed. It mentions specific items like live insects, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig mask, which aligns with the AP ar

Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat sensational, using phrases like 'bizarre anonymous deliveries' and emphasizing the impact on free speech. While not overtly biased, it frames the situation as a significant victory for the couple, potentially influencing reader perception.

TechCrunch logoTechCrunchIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 657 days ago
eBay reaches $56M settlement with e-commerce newsletter writers it terrorized in 2019

eBay has reached a $56 million settlement with Ina and David Steiner, a married couple and co-authors of EcommerceBytes, who were subjected to a targeted harassment campaign by former eBay executives in 2019. The harassment included social media attacks, anonymous threats, and bizarre mailed items such as live spiders, pornographic magazines, and a bloody pig mask. The settlement, announced in 2024, includes $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig, and smaller payments from other executives. Seven former employees were criminally charged and pleaded guilty, including the former security chief, James Baugh, who received a five-year prison sentence. eBay condemned the actions of its former employees, stating they do not represent the company's values.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the legal and ethical implications of the harassment campaign against the Steiners. It reports on both the actions of eBay and its former employees, as well as the company's subsequent condemnation and compensation. While the incident involves corporate mal

Why factuality (80): This article states a $56 million settlement, which conflicts with the AP article's mention of a $3 million criminal penalty and undisclosed settlement. It provides detailed descriptions of the harassment tactics, matching the primary source. However, it introduces specific figures from former execu

Why objectivity (65): The language is emotionally charged, describing the harassment as 'horrific' and focusing on the personal impact on the couple. The emphasis on the 'most bizarre episode in e-commerce history' suggests a narrative angle rather than purely factual reporting.

The Daily Wire logoThe Daily WireIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 306 days ago
Inside eBay’s Twisted Plot To Terrorize A Couple With Live Spiders And Cockroaches

A Massachusetts couple, David and Ina Steiner, reported that former eBay executives harassed them in 2019 by sending threatening packages containing live spiders, cockroaches, and other disturbing items, as well as attempting to smear their reputation through pornographic mailings and online threats. The harassment allegedly stemmed from the couple's critical reporting on eBay's business practices, including revelations about former CEO Devin Wenig's high earnings compared to average employees. After a lengthy legal battle spanning over a decade, the couple won a lawsuit, leading to a $50 million settlement. eBay agreed to pay $46.15 million, while former executives Devin Wenig, Wendy Jones, and Steve Wymer contributed additional amounts. The company also pledged $6 million in nonprofit donations. eBay issued a statement condemning the actions of its former employees and apologizing to the couple.

Bias read (Center): While the incident involves corporate behavior and potential regulatory implications, the article presents a balanced account of both the plaintiffs' claims and eBay's response. It does not overtly favor one political ideology over another, nor does it frame the issue in a distinctly liberal or保守ist

Why factuality (75): The article presents a detailed account of the harassment campaign against the Steiners, including specific allegations such as receiving live spiders, cockroaches, and threats. However, it does not directly reference the eBay press release or the primary source document, leading to potential inaccu

Why objectivity (30): The tone of the article is highly sensational and emotionally charged, using phrases like 'twisted plot' and 'terrorize.' It frames the situation as a deliberate campaign by eBay to intimidate the Steiners, which may not be fully supported by the primary source. The language lacks neutrality and app

The Daily Wire logoThe Daily WireIndependentConservativeFactual 70Objective 602 days ago
How This Conservative Author Is Fighting A Real Book Ban

A federal appeals court ruled that a public school counselor in Oregon violated hate speech laws by displaying children's books 'He is He' and 'She is She,' which affirm the gender binary. The decision stated that the books were not protected under the First Amendment. Ryan Bomberger, co-author of the books and a conservative Christian, criticized the ruling as unjust and claimed the school district is hypocritical for promoting other ideologies while banning the books. Bomberger argued that the books promote inclusivity by celebrating traditional gender roles and that the school's actions are anti-science and discriminatory. He suggested the controversy was orchestrated by a teacher who objected to the book covers and set up students to pressure the counselor into displaying the books.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the book ban as a violation of free speech and criticizes the school district's policies as hypocritical and discriminatory. It emphasizes the authors' conservative Christian values and portrays their stance as aligned with traditional values and opposition to progressive social议题

Why factuality (70): The article references the Oregon school counselor case but mischaracterizes the court's ruling. It incorrectly states that the court ruled the books constituted 'hate speech,' which is not mentioned in the primary source. The article also invents details about the books' authors and their perspecti

Why objectivity (60): The article takes a clear ideological stance, using emotionally charged language like 'unreasonable ruling' and 'fighting a real book ban.' It frames the case as a battle between conservative values and perceived censorship, showing significant bias.

Reason logoReasonParty-alignedCenter4 hr. ago
Stop-Talking-to-Me Order Against Ex-Landlord Who Kept Texting Ex-Tenant About COVID Vaccines

In the case Gonda v. Duering, decided by the Hawaii intermediate appellate court, Anaya Gonda sought a restraining order against her former landlord, Michael Duering, who allegedly harassed her with over 25 text messages discussing his beliefs about the negative effects of the COVID vaccine on her health. The harassment reportedly occurred both before and after Gonda moved out of the apartment in September 2023. Gonda claimed that Duering continued sending messages throughout late 2023 and into 2024, despite being explicitly told not to contact her. During the trial, Gonda’s boyfriend testified that Duering confronted them upon their arrival to retrieve belongings, leading to a police intervention. Duering argued that the court’s injunction violated his First Amendment rights by restricting his ability to express his views on vaccines. However, the court upheld the order, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to hold and express opinions, they cannot impose those views on others through harassing communication.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a legal case involving personal harassment claims and constitutional rights related to free speech. It does not take a stance on the validity of either side's arguments but focuses on the legal proceedings and interpretations of the law. There is no overtly biased language or sl

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