Mexico investigates singer Miley Cyrus' flag-whipping on giant fake butt

US pop star Miley Cyrus has caused a stir in Mexico after getting whipped on a giant fake buttocks with the country's flag during a concert, prompting an official investigation.

A video shows the provocative singer bent over as two singers whip her mock backside with small flags, including one in the distinct green, white and red colors of Mexico, on Tuesday in the northern city of Monterrey.

The Bangerz Tour 2014 concert coincided with Mexico's independence day festivities and the video made waves across local media.

A spokesman for the interior ministry told AFP the probe was launched Wednesday at the request of the Nuevo Leon state congress, which accused Cyrus of desecrating the flag.

The spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said "the company that brought her here would be sanctioned, not her" because it was the organizer's responsibility to agree with Cyrus the content of the concert.

The fine could amount to $1,270, although the legislature also called for 36-hour jail time. The show at Monterrey Arena was promoted by a firm named Zignia Live.

Nuevo Leon lawmaker Francisco Trevino Cabello, of the conservative National Action Party, called the flag flap a "jibe" against his country.

"They are hitting her with the flag, or cleaning her backside. It's a lack of respect," he told the local congress before it voted unanimously to ask for sanctions.

"The interior ministry must sanction the singer Miley Cyrus for desecrating the flag," he said, adding that authorities should monitor her future shows in Mexico.

Cyrus was due to perform in Monterrey again on Wednesday.