Darlene Love, Whitney Houston’s godmother, has hit out at reports the late singer’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown went “missing” following the funeral and allegedly was “doing drugs”.
Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, was reported to have vanished following the four-hour service in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday.
A report on Sunday claimed Bobbi Kristina was later found “getting high” by concerned family members.
However, Darlene Love, 70, insisted Bobbi Kristina was with the family the whole time and they are keeping a close-eye on her.
Darlene Love told U.S. TV show Access Hollywood last night: “Not true. Not true.
“She was with us and she was with the family the whole time… She’s been with the family these last couple of days. We all know where she is, she’s not missing.”
The Sixties singer’s denial comes after The Daily Beast website claimed Bobbi Kristina Brown failed to join the family at a Newark restaurant following the funeral at the New Hope Baptist Church.
“Everyone was freaking out and calling Bobbi Kristina’s cell,” a family friend told The Daily Beast.
“It was so much commotion and activity after the funeral that Bobbi Kristina just slipped away. [Her grandmother] Ms. Cissy [Houston] was beside herself.”
Darlene Love, Whitney Houston's godmother, has hit out at reports Bobbi Kristina Brown went “missing” following the funeral
Bobbi Kristina Brown was understandably left devastated when her 48-year-old mother was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel on February 11.
The teenager was also apparently found “getting high” after she received the news her mother had passed away and there were conflicts between family members on whether she should be taken to rehab straight away or left to mourn with them.
Darlene Love’s denial appear to contradict a family statement on Sunday, conceding the teen had some time out.
A Houston family spokesperson told The Daily Beast: “There was some confusion about Bobbi Kristina’s whereabouts last night for a short time, but she’s OK. She needed some time alone.”
The Houston family rep denied that Bobbi Kristina Brown was on drugs and said that she was just going through a “very hard time as you can expect”.
Long-time family friend BeBe Winans said he wasn’t aware of any alleged drug problems Bobbi Kristina was facing.
BeBe Winans told Access Hollywood: “I don’t know anything about rehab. I can tell you from being around her, pretty much all her life, and at the same time being around her in this dark valley, she’s doing wonderful. She’s doing wonderful.”
When asked about what part her father Bobby Brown would play in her life, Darlene Love added: “That’s really going to have to be her choice whether she wants him in her life… and I don’t think nobody is going to give her any information or try to move her one way or the other.
“That’s one decision she’s definitely going to have to make on her own.”
Bobbi Kristina is said to be upset following her parents’ divorce in 2007 and how quickly Bobby Brown moved on.
Bobby Brown, 43, has become engaged and has a two-year-old son Cassius with fiancée Alicia Etheredge.
Whitney Houston’s family is to attend the singer’s private burial in Westfield, New Jersey, later.
Whitney Houston is to be laid to rest beside her father John Russell Houston, who died in 2003, at Fairview Cemetery.
It follows a memorial service attended by some of the biggest names in music yesterday, including her mentor and former label boss Clive Davis, Stevie Wonder and her cousin Dionne Warwick.
Whitney Houston was found dead at a hotel in Los Angeles last week.
The late singer had been due to attend the Grammy awards. The cause of her death is as yet unknown, with investigators awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
Whitney Houston is to be laid to rest beside her father John Russell Houston, who died in 2003, at Fairview Cemetery
Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and R Kelly performed during the three hour and 45 minute-long ceremony, while actor Kevin Costner, who starred opposite Whitney Houston in the film The Bodyguard, paid tribute to what he called the “sweet miracle” of her life.
Whitney Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, arrived at the service but left again shortly afterwards.
Bobby Brown later said in a statement released to US media that he and his children “were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions”.
“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,” he added.
Bobby Brown, 43, was on stage last night in Connecticut, performing with his original band New Edition.
“I want to give blessings to my ex-wife, Whitney Houston. I love you,” Bobby Brown said as he pointed his finger to the sky.
Whitney Houston’s Godmother Aretha Franklin, whom the star referred to as “Aunt Ree”, had been due to sing at the service but the Houston family said she was not able to attend as she was unwell.
Aretha Franklin told the Associated Press news agency that she had been suffering with leg spasms and sent her best wishes to the family.
Following the service, fans and onlookers gathered outside the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark to catch a glimpse of the hearse as it drove in carrying Whitney Houston’s body in golden coffin. Some called: “I love you”, as the hearse passed.
One of the biggest voices of the 80’s, Whitney Houston sold millions of singles and albums worldwide.
Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston’s godmother, has been asked to sing at the singer’s funeral, Franklin’s spokeswoman said.
According to CNN.com other stars confirmed on the guest list are Chaka Khan, Bebe & CeCe Winans, songwriter Diane Warren, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, pop singer Darlene Love, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Antonio L.A. Reid, Ray J and Brandy.
One person expected not to attend the funeral, which will take place at 12:00 p.m. EST, in Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church, is Bobby Brown, who family members are said to have told that he is not welcome.
Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston's godmother, has been asked to sing at the singer’s funeral
It has also been claimed that Whitney Houston’s mother Cissy is doing her best to stop the singer’s ex-husband Bobby Brown from getting closer to their daughter Bobbi Kristina, for fear it is a ploy to get his hands on Whitney’s fortune.
A source told TMZ.com that friends of the family have contacted Bobby Brown to tell him he’s not welcome at her funeral, and should not increase his part in Bobbi Kristina’s life.
However, a friend of Bobby Brown’s is said to have told TMZ that Bobby is keen to “bury the hatchet for the sake of his daughter”.
