It was a touching night Saturday as friends, family and a few famous faces said their final goodbyes to Whitney Houston.
The night was packed with powerful attendees from Rev. Al Sharpton to Alicia Keys, who performed and Kevin Costner, who shared the eulogy. But it was Houston’s ex-husband and singer from New Edition who got the most attention.
Click for pictures from Whitney Houston’s funeral
Brown showed up at the invitation-only service with a large group, according to the NY Post, and was reported to have been accompanied by nine people.
The problems started when he was seated by security at New Hope Baptist Church in New Jersey where the funeral was kicking off to honor the late diva who died last Saturday—Houston was found submerged in a Beverly Hills hotel bathtub and attempts to revive her proved unsuccessful.
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Reportedly his group was told to move and only he could stay seated to which Brown refused and decided to ultimately leave. Not wanting to cause a bigger scene, Brown got up and left the service, but not before kissing Houston’s casket.
Brown later released a statement regarding the incident blaming security for the service disturbance. Brown noted that he and his children were invited to the funeral but after being seated, were asked to move more than once.
“I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move,” Brown said in a statement. “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.”
Reportedly, Bobbi Kristina, Brown’s daughter with Houston was not involved in the incident, nor was Cissy, Houston’s mother.
Later, Rev. Al Sharpton came to Brown’s aid and defended the singer. “He showed nothing but love and respect for Whitney. I wish people would leave Bobby alone,” Sharpton reportedly said.
Brown and Houston were married for 15 years until 2007 when the two called it quits. The tumultuous marriage played out on reality television through “Being Bobby Brown.”
“I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston,” and “At this time, we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter, Bobbi- Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences that have been directed towards my family and I at this most difficult time,” He said in a statement following Houston’s death.
Brown flew in to California to be with his daughter Bobbi in the days following Houston’s death.
