Whitney Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown briefly appeared at her funeral before leaving "visibly upset".
Rumours had circulated before the funeral that the singer had not been invited to the service at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. Brown arrived as the service began. He walked to the casket, touched it and walked to the back of the church Saturday.
According to the New Jersey Ledger, Brown arrived a few minutes before the funeral was set to begin with an entourage of nine people, who he wanted to sit with him in the family's section of the pews.
A source told the local paper that the entourage was "asked to leave" and while Brown was not asked to leave, "he left with the other people."
Brown later issued a statement saying that he and his children were seated but asked repeatedly to move. Brown says he left because he didn't want to create a scene.
"My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston," he said. "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 honour 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."
Later Saturday, Brown performed in Connecticut with his band New Edition. He appeared energetic, constantly smiled and thanked the crowd for keeping his spirits up.
At one point, he pointed his finger to the sky and said, "Blessings to my ex-wife, Whitney Houston. I love you."
Houston died on February 11. A cause of death hasn't been determined. Houston and Brown were married 15 years and have one daughter together. Their tumultuous relationship ended in 2007.
With inputs from AP
