Woody Allen may very well be one of the greatest comedic filmmakers of all time –”Annie Hall”, “Take the Money and Run” and “Bananas” are considered some of the genre’s finest. Allen’s ability to capture and magnify human insecurities, many of which Allen himself personifies, is what makes his movies so memorable and draws some of the great actors of our time to play roles in his films.

But as talented as he may be, his personal life, more than his movies, has drawn him into the spotlight. Notably in 1992, Allen’s partner Mia Farrow filed sexual abuse charges, accusing Allen of molesting their seven-year-old daughter Dylan. However, an investigation found that the accusations held “no merit.” Also, Allen’s marriage to Farrow’s adopted daughter, Soon Yi Previn, was met with outrage and controversy.

But after 22 years, the sexual abuse scandal has resurfaced after Dylan Farrow told a New York Times columnist that Allen had, in fact, molested her when she was a child. Again, experts on the case disagree with the charge – they say “these renewed charges are most likely a result of an emotionally vulnerable child who was caught up in a disturbed family.”

Even though the allegation has never been proven, the media outcry against Allen has been immense. A Washington Post columnist even compared it to a defenestration. The media have become the judge, jury, and executioner.

But despite these revived accusations, I hope people consider all the facts and not judge Allen too quickly. Ours is a system that presumes someone innocent until proven guilty. As long as the charges remain unverified and unproven, this comedic genius deserves the benefit of the doubt. Audiences should continue to enjoy his films for the artistry that has won him awards for decades.

In no way am I looking to minimize sexual and domestic abuse, and had the charges been at all proven or even sufficiently documented, I would not want to pay a dime to see a movie from a child abuser.

But this is a special case with intense family circumstances, and unless adequate evidence of his wrongdoing surfaces, we run the risk of unjustly ruining the reputation of one of America’s greatest filmmakers.

In our media age, scandal taints regardless of the truth. But we must be better than the media feeding frenzy.

Perspective would say that we should celebrate his acting and directing career that has spanned over four decades and includes four Oscars and countless other awards and nominations.

Many in our generation have never even seen a Woody Allen film, so I fear they may never attempt to see one because of these accusations. This sudden and rash rush to judgment deprives people of the chance to appreciate the genius and hilarity of his works.

The American Film Institute named the 100 funniest films in American history, awarding Allen five films on the list – the most of any director.

Allen’s 1977 magnum opus, “Annie Hall,” is a romantic comedy starring Allen in the title role. The film follows the story of Alvy Fisher, an insecure, neurotic, and overly self-conscious Jewish comedian obsessed with death and his ex-girlfriend. Acclaimed movie reviewer Roger Ebert once wrote that the movie “contains more intellectual wit and cultural references than any other movie ever to win the Oscar for best picture.” The film ranks fourth on the AFI list.

Two more classics include “Take the Money and Run” and “Bananas.” The films rank 66 and 69 respectively on the AFI list.

Allen has proven his creativity continues to thrive even after 40 years of filmmaking, producing one movie a year. In 2011, Allen’s film “Midnight in Paris” was nominated for Best Picture, and his 2008 film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” was also met with accolades and nominations.

So while molestation and abuse charges are no joke and should not be taken lightly, the investigation into this case shows no signs of foul play on Allen’s part. And while it’s hard for people to shrug off these accusations, Allen must be given a fair chance. Until proven guilty, we should continue to enjoy his films that have brought laughs to audiences for decades.