He is not welcome': Bobby Brown left devastated after being banned from ex-wife Whitney's funeral by family

Whitney Houston's ex-husband has been told he is 'not welcome' at her funeral by several members of the singer's family.

The close family member, who have not been identified, warned Whitney's ex-husband not to even try to attend as the Houston clan is 'not fond of him'. 

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

He also published an autobiography where he hinted at doubts over his wife's sexuality, but in the days after he death has been pictured devastated by Whitney's death.

Sources close to Brown told TMZ people connected to the Houston family have warned Bobby 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 the pop icon first showcased her singing talents as a child.

The late singer'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 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,' she said.

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

Fans have continued to gather and lay tributes for the superstar outside the Newark Church.