Bobby Brown abruptly leaves Whitney Houston funeral

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Whitney Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown, briefly appeared at her funeral.

Brown arrived as the Saturday service began. He walked to the casket, touched it and walked to the back of the church.

He says in a statement 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. As he left, Brown appeared upset.

Later Saturday, Brown performed in Connecticut with New Edition. He appeared energetic and smiling. He 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 and Brown were married 15 years and had one daughter. Their tumultuous relationship ended in 2007.

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