Wesley Snipes Slapped With Suit by American Express

“Blade” actor is currently behind bars on tax charges — but that’s not the end of his legal and financial woes

Wesley Snipes won't be leaving home with his American Express card anytime soon — primarily because he's currently sitting in the slammer — and that's probably a good thing.

"Blade" star Snipes was slapped with a lawsuit in Orange County, Fla., Circuit Court on Friday by American Express, which claims that the actor racked up a $29,343 bill with them when he was still walking free.

Read American Express' complaint here.

The complaint is seeking that amount, plus interest, attorney fees and court costs.

Snipes began a three-year prison sentence at Pennsylvania's McKean Federal Correction Institution in December 2010 for failing to file tax returns. The actor, 49, employed a number of tactics in an effort to establish his innocence, including the invocation of the "861 argument" which theorizes that U.S. residents' domestic income isn't taxable, and a claim that he's a "non-resident alien."

In truth, the actor was born in Orlando, Fla.

Snipes' legal representative did not immediately respond to TheWrap's request for comment.

Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.

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