Bobby Brown arrvied at Whitney Houston’s funeral and left very quickly.
There’s been speculation all week as to Bobby Brown‘s attendance at Whitney Houston‘s funeral today in Newark, New Jersey.
PHOTOS: Whitney Houston’s Funeral
After a tumultuous relationship, it’s not fully clear on what Bobby’s relationship is like with Whitney’s immediate family, but after rumors that Bobby was asked not to attend, he did indeed show up to the funeral, but was seen leaving just minutes later.
NJ.com is reporting that Bobby left New Hope Baptist Church just minutes before the funeral began.
According to a person familiar with the situation, Brown brought an entourage of nine people with him to the Newark church and wanted them to sit with them in the family section.
“They were asked to leave,” the person said, referring to the entourage. Brown was not asked to leave, but “he left with the other people,” according to the person, who was not at liberty to discuss the situation publicly.
Brown appeared visibly upset as he left the church and got into a black Cadillac SUV.
There had been speculation all week as to whether Brown would attend today’s service. He was asked to the invitation-only service late in the week.
UPDATE
Rev. Al Sharpton tweeted at 1:15PM EST:
UPDATE
TMZ reports:
While some reports say Bobby left over a dispute about seating, a source tells TMZ he argued with the family because he wanted to speak during the service … but was denied.
UPDATE
TMZ reports:
Bobby Brown was asked to leave Whitney Houston’s funeral today … after he got into an argument with Whitney’s family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him … TMZ has learned.
Brown was spotted going into the church today in Newark, NJ … but was seen leaving shortly thereafter.
According to our sources, Brown was invited, plus two, but instead showed up with an entourage of nine people. We’re told Bobby became upset when he found out they would not seat his whole party.
Our sources say Bobby wanted to sit with his daughter, Bobbi Kristina, but Whitney’s family was not having it.
We’re told Rev. Jesse Jackson tried to smooth things over … but to no avail.
UPDATE
After his seat was moved three times, Bobby Brown decided to leave Whitney’s funeral. He kissed the casket and was not allowed to see his daughter, Bobbi Kristina. On the situation, he has released a statement saying:
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.
