On July 4, 2024, Nobu Malibu defied the City of Malibu by hosting the annual “Red, White, and Bootsy” part after City officials denied the event permit due to numerous public safety issues occurred during last year’s Fourth of July White Party.
The unauthorized event culminated in a tragic accident that claimed the life of 44-year-old Uber driver Martin Okeke and has since led to multiple legal and legislative actions.
In 2023, Nobu’s Independence Day event drew over 700 attendees, far exceeding its legal capacity of 249. The overcrowding led to significant traffic disruptions, with limousines and party buses abandoned on PCH. Citing these issues, the city denied Nobu’s permit for the 2024 event. However, Nobu proceeded with the party, selling tables priced between $10,000 and $75,000.
Attorney Perry Wander, representing Nobu, defended the decision, suggesting that city officials were yielding to a “few disgruntled residents” rather than prioritizing public safety.
Shortly after leaving the un-permitted event, social media influencer Summer Wheaton, 32, was driving her 2019 Mercedes GLC43 eastbound on PCH. At approximately 10:20 p.m., her vehicle crossed the center median and collided head-on with Okeke’s 2020 Cadillac Escalade. Okeke died at the scene, while his passenger, a minor, was hospitalized with injuries. Wheaton also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Malibu Daily News broke the story of Summer Wheaton’s identity connecting the accident back to the un-permitted event publishing photos and videos of Wheaton dancing at the event with what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage in her hand.
According to court records obtained by Malibu Daily News, Wheaton had prior run-ins with law enforcement in 2011 and 2012, the latter of which was alcohol related.
Malibu Daily News released a video Wheaton posted on Instagram of her “tipsy” on the side of the road mocking a law enforcement officer on the phone as her drunk friends were driving by undetected.
In mid-October, sources say Wheaton’s case was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office following a months-long investigation.
In December 2024, Okeke’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wheaton, Nobu Malibu, and associated entities. The lawsuit alleges that Wheaton was “severely intoxicated and impaired” at the time of the crash and contends that the event organizers bear responsibility for allowing the party to proceed without proper permits, thereby contributing to unsafe conditions.
Wheaton surrendered to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station on February 24, 2025, and was booked on charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing bodily injury. Her bail was set at $230,000, which she posted the same day.
The unauthorized party at Nobu Malibu, which defied city permit denials, has drawn significant criticism. Then Mayor Steve Uhring and council member Bruce Silverstein supported the City’s decision to revoke the permits for the event. Silverstein, a practicing attorney, even went a step further suggesting the City seek an emergency restraining order against Nobu should they fail to confirm they will not move forward with the Fourth of July event.
Wander again took to social media after the civil suit made the news this week maintaining that his client, Nobu Malibu, should not be held responsible for the fatal crash.
“In my legal opinion, Nobu bears no responsibility for Ms. Wheaton’s accident on Pacific Coast Highway. Speed and alcohol consumption while driving under the influence while driving on a hazardous highway were solely responsible for this tragic accident.”
As legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities individuals and establishments hold in ensuring community safety.
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