Malibu influencer tries to shift blame over deadly alleged DUI crash after celeb-packed Nobu party

Instagram influencer Summer Wheaton has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a fatal Malibu crash prosecutors say happened after she left a celebrity-packed Fourth of July party at Nobu.

Wheaton, 35, entered the plea in Van Nuys Superior Court on charges of vehicular manslaughter and two counts of driving under the influence stemming from the July 4, 2024, crash, according to KTLA.

Prosecutors allege Wheaton attended an Independence Day party hosted by Bootsy Bellows at the swanky Malibu sushi restaurant before getting behind the wheel of her 2019 Mercedes-Benz around 10:30 p.m.

The event drew several celebrities, including rapper Wiz Khalifa, rapper Tyga and former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson.

Authorities allege Wheaton crossed the center median on Pacific Coast Highway near the 22000 block and slammed head-on into a westbound 2020 Cadillac SUV driven by 44-year-old Martin Okeke, who was working as a rideshare driver at the time.

Wheaton’s attorney has disputed prosecutors’ version of events, arguing the head-on collision was caused by Okeke rather than the influencer.

Okeke was pronounced dead at the scene, while Wheaton and a passenger in the Cadillac were taken to a hospital with injuries.

Investigators previously said speed and alcohol were believed to have played a role in the crash, though the investigation remained ongoing.

Following Okeke’s death, loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his wife and children with funeral expenses, describing him as a devoted husband and father known for his generosity and unwavering love for his family.

As of Tuesday the family has raised nearly $10,000 of the $50,000 goal.

The fatal collision also sparked scrutiny of Nobu Malibu after city officials revealed they had denied permits for the Fourth of July event over unresolved traffic and public safety concerns. Despite the denial, the party went ahead anyway.

At the time, Malibu City Manager Steve McClary said organizers had been warned that proceeding with the event would violate the city’s municipal code and could result in enforcement action.

The city’s code enforcement department later opened an investigation into the restaurant over the gathering.

Wheaton, who branded herself online as a wellness influencer, had more than 100,000 Instagram followers before the crash.

According to KTLA, her following has since dropped by roughly 5,500 users, and she previously made her Instagram account private and removed her personal website in the aftermath of the deadly wreck.

If convicted, Wheaton could face years behind bars.

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