After briefly appearing at ex-wife Whitney Houston’s funeral service in New Jersey on Saturday, Bobby Brown flew to Connecticut to put on a performance with New Edition.
The concert, which took place at the Mohegan Sun casino’s arena, lasted over an hour, and the grieving singer paid homage to Whitney, his former spouse and mother of his 18-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina.
“I want to give blessings to my ex-wife Whitney Houston. I love you,” Bobby told the concert crowd on Saturday night, while pointing upward toward the sky. “I want to give blessings to my kids, my brothers and all of you. Thank you for the love.”
One of Bobby’s bandmates offered support, telling the audience, “He was upset today.”
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Following the performance, which included Bobby’s classic hit, “My Prerogative,” the singer – along with a group of family and friends, headed to Bobby Flay’s restaurant Bar Americain, according to People.
Bobby appeared “relaxed and low key as he posed for photos with fans,” the mag reports.
After a brief 20-minute stint at the casino’s blackjack tables, Bobby reportedly headed to a seafood restaurant with entourage and fiancée Alicia Ethridge, before heading back to their rooms around 2 a.m., according to People.
Slideshow 19 photos
Whitney Houston: 1963-2012
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As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Bobby left Whitney’s funeral early on Saturday, looking visibly upset.
Bobby later explained his departure in a statement to Access Hollywood.
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“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. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina,” the statement released to Access continued. “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.”
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