Jam: Spotlight on Music StarsBobby Brown Explains Early Exit From Whitney Houston’s Funeral
Bobby Brown made a brief appearance at his ex-wife Whitney Houston's funeral on Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, but he didn't stay for long -- reportedly due to a seating dispute.
According to TMZ, Brown received an invite for him and two guests, but showed up with an entourage of nine. The singer was obviously not happy when security told him there wasn't room for his entire crew in the church, and was further disappointed when he was blocked from sitting in the front row next to his 19-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina, his only child with Houston. Upset, the singer made his way to Houston's casket, gave it a kiss, and exited the church about 10 minutes into the service.
To clear up all the speculation, Brown's rep released the following statement explaining 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. 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."
Following the service, CNN spoke with Reverend Jesse Jackson, who witnessed the situation and tried to convince Brown to stay. "That was a very difficult moment for all of us," he said of watching Brown be asked to leave the front row. "It seems to me that they could have accommodated him better than they did."
Houston and Brown were married for 15 years.
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