Shark Tank

"Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec says an ex-girlfriend of his is trying to exploit the Harvey Weinstein/Hollywood sexual harassment scandal by extorting him for millions of dollars over what he says are false claims of sexual assault.

Herjavec has sued Danielle Vasinova, whom he dated from 2013 to 2015. He says when he ended the relationship she became a woman scorned and threatened to go public with false claims he gave her herpes and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

Herjavec says at one point she demanded $20 million in return for her silence, and he told her to kick rocks. He says at one point she reduced her demand to $5 million which he squarely rejected.

He also says she sold a story to the National Enquirer about his romp with her at a sex fantasy club. Herjavec says in Sept., 2014, Vasinova invited him to the sex club, telling him it was "a legitimate, fantasy experience ... innocent fun." He went, and consented to be strapped to a table and blindfolded, after which he was tickled with a feather.

Herjavec says unbeknownst to him, Vasinova took pictures of him while he was blindfolded, which she used in her extortion attempt.

Herjavec says after her extortion attempt failed he didn't hear from her for a while, until Monday, when he got a letter from her attorney saying Vasinova was threatening to reignite her assault claims. The letter says, "she bears full awareness that the problems plaguing Hollywood are far bigger than she is, and appreciates fully that her willingness to come forward now will not only be cathartic for her, but will go far in serving the interests of other women and men who have not yet found their voices."

According to the lawsuit, the letter goes on to suggest an "informal resolution" -- which Herjavec interprets as renewed extortion.

They're not just money partners, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Cuban have been actively mentoring Chris Gronkowski ever since making a deal for his Shaker Cup Company on "Shark Tank."

Chris -- supported by Rob Gronkowski and the rest of his musclebound bros -- sold 15% of his Ice Shaker biz to A-Rod and Mark for $150k on Sunday's show (which was taped months ago).

TMZ Sports spoke with Chris (who also played in the NFL) to find out how his new business partners are REALLY like to work with off camera ... and it sounds AWESOME!

"It's a dream," Gronk says ... explaining that both sharks are extremely accessible to him and usually email back within 10 mins when he's got a question.

But it wasn't all sunshine and roses on the show -- Chris says one of the sharks he turned down gave him TERRIBLE advice ... and he's definitely putting her on blast now!

Mark Cuban just got a ringing endorsement for President from old pal Daymond John ... who couldn't stop singing the guy praises.

We got Daymond outside Craig's Sunday night where the baller "Shark Tank" star ran down a list of reasons why he's hopping on the "Cuban for President" train. Remember ... Mark's seriously flirting with the idea, and if Trump can win, anything's possible.

Check it out ... Daymond says Mark's innate ability to relate and care about people makes him the perfect candidate. It's so eloquently said he's now got us thinking ... Daymond for Veep?!

Barbara Corcoran was hangin' onto Keo Motsepe for dear life ... hangin' onto his junk.

The "Shark Tank" star and her pro dancer scored a 14 on the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" Monday ... but the bigger story was Barbara grabbing onto Keo's crotch as the judges were dishing scores.

What's unclear is if Babs was oblivious or conscious that she was in the region.

One of the biz moguls on "Shark Tank" thinks Apple's latest iPhone is priced ridiculously ... but it's still gonna sell like crazy and it will make him a bloody fortune.

We got Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary Wednesday at LAX and he says the reason the iPhone X is gonna be so damn expensive at $1,000-plus is 'cause Apple has become a luxury brand, and more than that ... it's turned into a lifestyle.

Maybe Tom Brady's $500,000 valuation for his stolen Super Bowl 51 jersey ain't so far off after all -- because "Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec says he's down to pony up that kinda dough.

The company behind Scrub Daddy -- the most successful product ever pitched on "Shark Tank" -- is accusing a man of tricking customers with a knockoff sponge.

Scrub Daddy says Brian Reaux's attempt to push "Scrub 'N EZ" will confuse faithful Scrub Daddy customers because of the similar name and use of a smiley face ... this according to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ.

In the docs, Scrub Daddy also has beef with Reaux marketing his sponge holder as fitting "perfectly in Scrub Daddy [sponges]."

SD has reportedly generated more than $75 mil since striking a deal with Lori Greiner on the show. The company wants "Scrub 'N EZ" to change its name, and quit using Scrub Daddy in advertising.

The co-founder of a product featured on "Shark Tank" is in serious trouble after he was busted for allegedly pulling a gun on someone outside his home.

Burbank police tell TMZ ... Mike Barzman -- who pitched "Invisiplug" in season 5 -- went off the rails earlier this month on a man smoking in front of his house. We're told Mike got into a heated argument over the ciggy, and pulled out a gun threatening to kill the man.

We're told cops arrived at his home the next day and recovered a semi-automatic handgun. Barzman was arrested for felony assault with a firearm. He posted $50k bail the next day.

Barzman's attorney, Gregory Brenner, says his client did have an unloaded gun on him ... but never pointed it at the smoker and never threatened him. In fact, he says Barzman is the one who felt threatened.

There's already a "Shark" in the NBA ... but now, Kevin O'Leary tells TMZ Sports he has HIS sights set on the NFL -- there's just one problem ... the price.

Mr. Wonderful was out in NYC yesterday when he told us it's REALLY hard to buy into the NFL (just ask Donald Trump) ... but says, "To me, that's what I'd love to own."

Don't worry, Kev has a smart business plan (of course) to get into the owner's box without having to cover the ENTIRE cost of a pro squad.

There's more ... Kev also explains why the hottest city in North America in need of a pro sports team is NOT Los Angeles ... it's not even in the United States.

"Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec has an interesting way of saying goodbye to his "friends" ... by planting a big, juicy wet one on their smackers.

Robert and his "Dancing with the Stars" partner Kym Johnson were leaving Greenblatt's Deli in Hollywood Friday night, where they were full-on kissing.

A coy Robert explains, they're not dating ... they're just friends who dance.

They've actually been very open about their relationship ... people on DWTS all know the deal.

"Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec has a new asset in his portfolio -- his "Dancing With the Stars" partner Kym Johnson ... and she gets an awesome gift from him if they win.

Herjavec and Johnson met mid-February right before the "DWTS" cast was announced ... and we're told they started dating immediately.

They spent Saturday night at a party in the Hollywood Hills and Monday at Hyde lounge with the "DWTS" cast. Our spies tell us they're very open about the relationship ... lots of making out.

Herjavec has also promised Johnson if they win "DWTS" she'll get one of his Ferraris.

We broke the story earlier this month Herjavec and his wife of nearly 25 years had separated and were heading for divorce.

Things move quickly with Bob.

"Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec is pulling out of his biggest investment in life -- he's separated from his wife and headed for divorce.

Herjavec tells TMZ he and wife Diane Plese are already legally separated and we're told they will be divorcing soon.

The couple married in 1990 and have 3 kids together, two daughters and a son.

Herjavec, who is on the upcoming season of "Dancing With the Stars," says ... "Human Relationships are so difficult ... I wish nothing but love and peace for our family as we move forward from this."

Herjavec has a net worth in the nine figures, so ... the line forms to the right, ladies.

There's no way Drake came up with YOLO ... because "Shark Tank" mogul Daymond John did -- and he's got some evidence to back up his claim.

Our photog was talking pop culture slang with John in NYC this past weekend when he spelled it out for Drizzy ... Y-O-L-O is his.

He claims he dropped it first on "Shark Tank" back in 2009 ... then Drake copped it for "The Motto" -- and eventually even Obama picked it up. Watch, DJ definitely sounds like he knows he missed a golden opportunity.

FUN FACT: We found the 'Shark' clip, but turns out John wasn't the 1st or 2nd to drop YOLO. The Stroke's used it in 2006 but looks like Adam Mesh from NBC's "The Average Joe" reality show said it first in 2004. #OOPS

Courtney Love and "Shark Tank" maven Kevin O'Leary enjoyed dinner together Tuesday night in West Hollywood, but the question is ... who was pitching who?

Love and Mr. Wonderful were inside the restaurant for nearly four hours and when they made their exit, the paps were quick to ask if they were dating. O'Leary immediately said no -- he is a married man -- so that just leaves the topic of money.

Does Courtney have a killer business plan? Does Kevin have a plan for Courtney's career?

It's not the fact it costs $4 MILLION for 30 seconds, "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary tells TMZ Sports there's another big problem when it comes to Super Bowl advertising.

Mr. Wonderful hit up Craig's in L.A. for dinner Monday -- when he explained why spending the money could be a great investment for the right company ... just not for him.

The next Thomas Edison could totally kick your ass ... 'cause NFL star Bernard Pollard tells TMZ Sports the counter-top organizer he invented last year totally BLEW UP in sales this holiday season.

Pollard, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2012 invented a bathroom counter-top organizer last year called the "Smart Sink Tray" that he says lets was inspired by the tiny sinks out in Baltimore.

"I first thought it up back in 2012 ... I'm a germaphobe and the counter space in Baltimore was so limited that I wanted something to expand it."

His Howie Mandelness has led to cold hard cash with Pollard telling us this holiday season business was BOOMING for the "Smart Sink Tray" -- with a sales spike of nearly 60%.

"It was really cool to see the orders come in. The east coast went crazy for it."

And Pollard says things are only looking up from here ... 'cause the tray has gotten so popular, it's drawn interest from hotels all over the country and outdoor retailer Camping World.

"We putting it your RV's."