Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.

Louis Theroux's new BBC documentary could become his most controversial yet.

The filmmaker travels to the US for the one-off BBC Two special The Night in Question, which explores the ongoing consent debate at American universities.

In the last several years, top universities have put in line stringent guidelines meant to protect students from being assaulted — but some argue that some have been punished for offences that wouldn't rise to the level of criminal offence.

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For The Night in Question, Theroux will speak with survivors of assault who believe these guidelines are much-needed on campuses, but also with alleged perpetrators who feel their reputations have been tarnished by overreactions.

There will also be interviews with the university officials whose job it is to sift through allegations of assault and make judgments on if offences rise to the level of expulsion.

Theroux was last seen on BBC Two in the autumn exploring themes of life and death in Altered States, in which he examined adoption, polyamory and euthanasia in the US.

Freddie Claire BBC

The documentarian also recently teased that he could bring back his 2000s series When Louis Met…, perhaps best known for his infamous interview where he broached the subject of Jimmy Savile's abuse allegations years before they were outed.

Of potential new subjects for the show, he teased: "I'm more interested in stories about people who maybe are not riding as high as they once were — maybe Nigel Farage or Julian Assange.

"Farage seems to be more in the wings, more in the margins."

The Night in Question doesn't yet have a premiere date on BBC Two.

Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.

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