Why Did Bobby Brown Leave Whitney Houston's Funeral Early?

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Moments after Whitney Houston's funeral began, her ex-husband, Bobby Brown, was spotting abruptly leaving the service with his son Landon Brown.

So, why did the New Edition singer exit the church just 20 minutes after the funeral began?

MORE: Whitney Houston's Funeral: Moment by Moment

"My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston," Brown said in a statement released to E! News.

"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."

Brown's agent, Jeff Allen, previously told E! News the singer left early to make it in time to his concert tonight (the New Edition show starts at 8 p.m. ET Saturday night in Connecticut). Twitter was abuzz with speculation of what might have gone down, due to tweets from the media and funeral-goers.

"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!," Al Sharpton tweeted. "I am going back in the services, I did my best out here. Can't tweet from inside the sanctuary, I hope the press will not distort the day."

MORE: Mariah Carey: Whitney Houston's Death "Was Tough," Says Hubby Nick Cannon

And there are also reports that Brown brought a "posse" that funeral organizers didn't want to accommodate.

A source told E! News that while they're not sure that was the reason Brown left, it was definitely an issue while he was in attendance.

(Originally published Feb. 18, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. PT)

—Additional reporting by Ken Baker 

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Whitney Houston: Wake Set for Tonight Ahead of Saturday Funeral

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Whitney Houston's funeral isn't taking place until tomorrow, but some of her family and close friends are choosing to pay their initial respects to the singer tonight, away from the glare of the cameras.

Preparations have been underway all day at both the Whigham Funeral Home and Newark's New Hope Baptist Church not only for tomorrow's noontime service, which will be streamed live on E! Online, but for a wake set to take place in roughly an hour.

MORE: Are the Oscars planning a Whitney tribute, too?

Hundreds of mourners, fans and, yes, media, lined the streets near both locations Friday. Also sprouting up outside the church and funeral home: makeshift, ever-growing shrines with cards, flowers, balloons, photos and handwritten prayers.

Newark police have been trying all day to keep the crowd at bay, arriving in a mobile unit barricading the block in front of the funeral home, in advance of the private viewing, which mother Cissy, daughter Bobbi Kristina and various other family members and close friends are expected to attend.

At the back of the facility, the entrances were covered with a white tent and curtains to provide added privacy. Cops even wrapped the area surrounding the funeral home in tape to prevent the crowd from overwhelming the mourners.

MORE: Aretha reacts to Whitney's death

E! Networks

A Whigham worker told E! News that the viewing is likely to begin sometime around 5 p.m. ET. A police officer on the scene said that "a lot" of mourners were expected, arriving in up to a dozen vehicles.

Earlier today, E! News spotted a florist van arriving, with carefully arranged bunches of white and yellow roses getting delivered.

Meawnhile, details continue to emerge about tomorrow's funeral. BeBe and CeCe Winans are set to sing at the funeral, which will be officiated by their brother Marvin.

Among the confirmed attendees: Houston cousin Dionne Warwick,  Forest Whitaker, Chaka Khan, Ray J, Aretha Franklin, Kim Burrell, Kevin Costner, Clive Davis, Stevie Wonder, Rickey Minor, Alicia Keys and Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of the producers of her final film, Sparkle.

Although Oprah Winfrey was invited, it's unclear if she'll attend. There has been speculationg that she'll accompany good friend Tyler Perry, who is attending, to the service (and who provided the private plane to transport Houston's body from Los Angeles to New Jersey). Though Mel Gibson was reportedly invited to the funeral, he is not expected to be there.

MORE: Ray J speaks out on Whitney's death

And despite rumors to the contrary, Elton John, Beyoncé and Diana Ross will not be attending, E! News has learned.

Due to a prior commitment, Dolly Parton will also not be in attendance, though she released a new statement in tribute to the singer:

"My heart is with Whitney and her family as they lay her to rest. I did not know Whitney nor any of her family personally; but she will always be a part of my heart and I will always be grateful for her awesome performance and success with our song 'I Will Always Love You.'

"Rest in peace, Whitney."

Following Saturday's funeral at the New Hope Baptist Church, Houston will be interred on Sunday, laid to rest alongside her father at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, N.J.

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Bobby Brown: Bobbi Kristina "Doing Much Better" as Whitney Houston Funeral Approaches

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Understandably, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown's 18-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, is going through a tough time right now.

She was rushed to the hospital twice over the weekend to be treated for stress. But thankfully, her father said today in a statement that the teen "is doing much better."

MORE: Whitney Houston death probe: doctors, medical records sought

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"We continue to provide love and support to Bobbi Kristina," he said . "She is dealing with the tragedy of her mother's death and would prefer to do it outside of the private eye. I ask that our privacy be respected."

Although there has been speculation that Brown is persona non grata at Saturday's funeral for Whitney, reportedly due to lingering friction between him and members of the Houston family, a source close to the New Edition singer says that as of now he plans on being there to be with his daughter. 

"He was always invited. That has never been a question," a source tells E! News. "Yes, he will be there."

ABC News also ciites a Houston family insider saying that Brown will not be stopped from going to the invite-only event.

Meanwhile, Brown's camp is trying to clamp down on inaccurate stories, releasing the following statement: "Any report or statement that does not originate from my office about Bobby Brown or his representatives, is not authorized by Bobby Brown. We are not focused on reports, stories or false reports for that matter."

The family has tentatively agreed to allow a pool camera inside Newark's New Hope Baptist Church to beam footage of the event to Houston's fans in lieu of a massive memorial service as had originally been floated. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has announced that the state's flag will be flown at half-staff on that day.

There is still no word on the final resting place of the singer, with the family apparently torn between her native New Jersey or her adopted hometown of Atlanta.

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