Bobby Brown performs with New Edition at Mohegan Sun Arena

Just hours after the funeral of his ex-wife Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown was on the Mohegan Sun Arena stage, resplendent in white jacket, black vest, black pants and a black hat, performing with New Edition for a cheering crowd.

Brown thanked the crowd for keeping his spirits up.

“Blessings to my ex-wife, Whitney Houston. I love you,” he said, and pointed his finger in the air.

Brown left Whitney Houston’s funeral at Newark, N.J.’s New Hope Baptist Church shortly after the service began this afternoon.

In a statement put out by his representative, he explained, “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,” he said. “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.”