Bobby Brown Explains Why He Left Funeral; Rev. Al Sharpton Tweets About It During Service

A Newark police officer confirmed to CNN’s Don Lemon that Brown was escorted out of the service over an apparent seating issue. Brown arrived at the service and was seen walking past Whitney’s casket then back up the aisle toward his seat separate from Houston’s family.

The officer says that Brown came with an unexpectedly large group and became upset when told they could not all be seated. Lemon reports there was “a bit of an argument” before Brown walked out of the church.

Representatives of Bobby Brown released the following statement from the star late Saturday afternoon:

“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.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton also became involved and tweeted “I am at Whitney’s funeral. I spoke with Bobby Brown trying to calm him down and not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney!”