The judge presiding over the Phil Spector murder trial has ordered a Hollywood brothel keeper to keep silent about anything related to the shooting of actress Lana Clarkson after she showed up in court on Wednesday.

Jody "Babydoll" Gibson made a surprise appearance at the Los Angeles superior court hearing and was immediately told she would be held in contempt if she spoke to the media about the trial.

Judge Larry Fidler feared Gibson, who claims Clarkson once worked for her, would attempt to publicise a new book about her life and career on the steps of his courthouse.

With the jury out of the courtroom, Fidler ruled the defence could not call Gibson, who was convicted of pimping in 2000, and she could not talk to the media to promote an upcoming book - if her comments touched on the trial or Clarkson.

Spector is accused of the fatal shooting of Clarkson at his Alhambra, California, mansion in February 2003. He has pleaded not guilty and claims Clarkson committed suicide. - Wenn