Bobby Brown: Why I Left Whitney's Funeral

While family, friends and colleagues gathered to pay tearful respects to the late Whitney Houston on Saturday, a visibly upset Bobby Brown left the funeral at Newark, N.J.’s New Hope Baptist Church shortly after the service began, leaving fans wondering if the late icon's controversial ex-husband had been turned away from the event by Houston's family.

In a statement put out by his representative, Brown explained the reason for his early departure:

“My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston.  We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions.

“I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move,” he said.  “Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”

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