Whitney Houston Funeral: Bobby Brown Leaves Funeral Early, Blames Security
Bobby Brown left Whitney Houston's funeral just 20 minutes into the service, while other friends and families continued to mourn her death. However, he has released a statement blaming security at the event of making him feel unwelcome and continually asking him and his family to move.
Just 20 minutes into the nationally televised funeral of Whitney Houston, ex-husband, Bobby Brown was seen exiting the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J. He looked agitated as he left quickly with his wife, Alicia Etheridge and their son, Landon. Brown left before filmmaker, Tyler Perry and Houston's Bodyguard co-star, Kevin Costner took the stage to pay tribute to Whitney Houston.
SEE VIDEO OF KEVIN COSTNER'S TOUCHING EULOGY AT WHITNEY HOUSTON'S FUNERAL
Get Our Latest News for FREE
SEE VIDEO OF ALICIA KEYS SINGING AT WHITNEY HOUSTON'S FUNERAL
SEE VIDEO OF STEVIE WONDER SINGING AT WHITNEY HOUSTON'S FUNERAL
SEE VIDEO OF R. KELLY'S 'I LOOK TO YOU' AT WHITNEY HOUSTON'S FUNERAL
Earlier reports seemed to suggest that Brown was agitated after he turned up with nine guests, which was more than could be accommodated at the invitation-only, private event.
However, Brown released this statement in his defense following the funeral:
"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. 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."
It was speculated earlier in the week that Brown was not welcome at Whitney Houston's funeral. The self-proclaimed bad-boy, had a tumultuous 15-year marriage with Whitney Houston that involved plenty of partying and drug-use. The couple divorced in 2007.
During their marriage, Brown was arrested for slapping Houston and threatening to beat her up, according to the Daily News.
Some critics are even bold enough to hold Brown responsible for Houston's downward spiral and drug addiction. Less than a week after Houston's death, Bobby Brown has returned to touring and tells his fans, it's time to move on.
The Daily News reported that Reverend Al Sharpton spoke to Bobby Brown calming him down and warning him not to be a distraction from the services. He told Brown that the day was about Whitney.
Brown is expected to perform Saturday night in Connecticut as part of the reformed New Edition.
SEE VIDEO OF KEVIN COSTNER'S TOUCHING EULOGY AT WHITNEY HOUSTON'S FUNERAL
SEE VIDEO OF ALICIA KEYS SINGING AT WHITNEY HOUSTON'S FUNERAL
