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Bobby Brown Bails On Whitney Houston's Funeral After Seating Dispute

NEWARK, N.J. (CBS/AP) — Whitney Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown left her funeral on Saturday because of a seating dispute.

The Roxbury native was seen arriving as the service began. He walked to the casket, touched it and walked to the back of the New Jersey church Saturday.

Brown was seen leaving a short time later and appeared upset.

Reports said Brown showed up with an entourage of nine people, but was only supposed to bring two other people to the invitation-only funeral.

Brown later said 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:

"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," Brown said in statement. "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 is scheduled to perform tonight at Mohegan Sun.

Watch: Whitney Houston Funeral (recorded)

View: Photos From Houston's Funeral

Houston and Brown were married 15 years and have one daughter together. In 2003, police responding to a domestic violence call about Brown found Houston with a cut lip and bruised cheek. Their tumultuous relationship ended in 2007.

Houston died Feb. 11. A cause of death hasn't been determined.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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