Bobby Brown's pal Johnny Gill asks critics to back off

Washington, Mar 2 (ANI): Bobby Brown's New Edition bandmate Johnny Gill has defended his friend against criticism and reminded people that he has a teenage daughter to look after now.

The 'My Prerogative' singer had come under fire for performing with New Edition hours after ex-wife Whitney Houston's death on 11 February and many of his harshest critics have blamed him for the drug problems that plagued Houston in the last decade of her life.

Gill insists that, despite reports to the contrary, Brown's marriage to Houston wasn't all temper tantrums and drug issues - and he feels the media should have a little more respect for a grieving family.

"I've watched how they've (critics) been pointing the fingers and throwing rocks at Bobby and then I listen... and hear everyone contradicting themselves; they sit here and say, 'My heart goes out to (Brown's daughter) Bobbi Kris...' Well, remember this... that Bobby Brown is Bobbi Kris' father," Contactmusic quoted Gill as telling Access Hollywood.

"Like him, love him or hate him, when you're throwing rocks at him, you're throwing rocks at her and right now she needs as much love as she can get from everybody," he said. (ANI)