Bobby Brown banned from Whitney Houston’s funeral by her family

Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston’s ex-husband, has been told he is “not welcome” at the singer’s funeral by several members of her family.

A close family member, who has not been identified, warned Bobby Brown not to even try to attend as the Houston clan is “not fond of him”.

During Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s 14-year marriage they repeatedly came to blows in private and public, with her husband being rumored to have introduced her to illegal drugs.

Bobby Brown also published an autobiography where he hinted at doubts over Whitney Houston’s sexuality, but in the days after her death has been pictured devastated by his ex-wife’s death.

Sources close to Bobby Brown told TMZ people connected to the Houston family have warned him that he shouldn’t attempt to attend the funeral because the family isn’t fond of him.

At first it was thought that a public memorial service would take place at Newark’s Prudential Centre – which seats up to 19,000 people – but the family announced today that they are keeping it to themselves. There will be no public wake either.

The funeral will take place on Saturday at noon in the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where Whitney Houston first showcased her singing talents as a child.

Whitney Houston’s body was flown from Los Angeles in a private jet owned by Tyler Perry last night and transported to Newark’s Whigham Funeral Home, which handled the 2003 funeral of her father.

Carolyn Whigham, the funeral home’s owner, said the invitation-only funeral reflects the family’s desire to keep the memorial more personal.

“They have shared her for 30 some years with the city, with the state, with the world. This is their time now for their farewell,” Carolyn Whigham said.

“The family thanks all the fans, the friends and the media, but this time is their private time.”

Meanwhile, Whitney Houston’s fans have continued to gather and lay tributes for the superstar outside the Newark Church.