Talk of bailout, bonuses barred from AIG trial

* High-profile trial between AIG and ex-CEO opens

* Judge also precludes talk of bonuses, investigations

* Ex-CEO Greenberg may testify as early as Tuesday

By Lilla Zuill

NEW YORK, June 15 (Reuters) - The government bailout of AIG and controversial bonuses paid by the insurer cannot be brought up during trial of the company's suit involving former CEO Maurice "Hank" Greenberg, a judge ruled on Monday.

As the trial opened before a jury in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Judge Jed Rakoff set narrow parameters for what can be discussed.

Also precluded is any talk of an investigation by then-New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and a parallel probe by American International Group Inc (AIG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) that resulted in Greenberg's ouster as CEO in 2005.

AIG's suit against Greenberg-controlled Starr International centers on a large block of AIG shares held by Starr. The stock was once valued at $20 billion but is now worth far less since AIG shares have tumbled over the last year.

AIG, claiming breach of fiduciary duty, is seeking to wrest back shares held by Starr and the proceeds of any sales, at the same time as it tries to repay $85 billion in taxpayer bailout funds.