Bobby Brown claims he left Whitney Houston's funeral early because overzealous security guards made him switch seats three times and refused to let him see his daughter.

The singer's ex-husband was among the guests attending her star-studded memorial service at a church in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday, but he raised eyebrows by leaving the venue with his children after just 20 minutes.

Brown has now released a statement to explain his departure, insisting he was left fuming when bodyguards kept him away from Bobbi Kristina, his daughter with the late superstar, and made him change places on numerous occasions.

The statement reads: "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 (sic) 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. 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."

Reverend Al Sharpton, who was also at the funeral, told TMZ.com: "He showed nothing but love and respect for Whitney. I wish people would leave Bobby alone."

STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY

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• Simon Cowell

• Rihanna

• Russell Crowe

• Myleene Klass

• Sharon Osbourne

• Piers Morgan

• Denise Van Outen

• Rochelle Wiseman of The Saturdays

• Amanda Holden

• JLS

• Tulisa Contostavlos

• KELLY ROWLAND

• Emma Bunton

• Gok Wan

• Jennifer Lopez

• Katie Price

• Jessica Simpson

• P!nk

• Caroline Flack

• Amy Childs

• Eva Longoria

• Dannii Minogue

• Kim Kardashian

• Cheryl Cole

• Ricky Martin

• Joan Rivers

• Rebecca Ferguson

• Kelly Osbourne

• Justin Bieber

• Katy Perry

• Jonathan Ross

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