As former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson put it: “What we’re seeing happening now with the Harvey Weinstein revelations, to me this is the watershed moment.” In recent weeks, a host of new sexual harassment allegations in Hollywood, journalism, and politics have been filling headlines. Besides Weinstein, director James Toback, actor Ben Affleck, and former president George H.W. Bush, have all been accused of harassment, among a slew of others. Amid these allegations, one that has been swept under the rug is Hill alumnus Oliver Stone ‘64.

Stone is the director of numerous films, such as Platoon, Nixon, and J.F.K, and has written movies such as Scarface. Stone has also remained active as an alumni, giving the 2013 Commencement address and receiving the Sixth Form Leadership award that same year.

Stone was accused by former Playboy Playmate Carrie Stevens of groping her at a party honoring Stone over 20 years ago. This came just mere days after Stone defended Weinstein.

“I believe a man shouldn’t be condemned by a vigilante system. It’s not easy what he’s going through, either.” Stone said. Stone would later retract this comment several hours later, saying that he was unaware of the number of allegations levied against Weinstein, and that he was ‘appalled, and commended the courage of the women who’ve stepped forward to report sexual abuse or rape’.

However, Stone raises an interesting point in his first statement. In regards to sexual harassment, our society quickly defaults to a ‘guilty until proven innocent’ mindset. In cases where there are tens of people coming ou, such as in the Bill Cosby case, it becomes more and more likely that there is some legitimacy to their claims, but what about  cases like Stone, where there is just one accuser? In this case, it becomes a he said, she said dilemma – with little proof supporting either side.

Part of the reason that we’re so quick to make judgements is because of the sensitive nature surrounding the situation. To speak up about sexual harassment takes courage, and often times people are faced with either losing their jobs or being outed from the industry they choose to pursue. When someone has been sexual harassed, they need support. However, like any other legal proceeding, due process must be involved. False allegations do happen, like any other crime. To say someone is guilty before our justice system does is premature.

But let’s say that Stone is found guilty. Would this define him and his legacy? Stone is a Vietnam war veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart award. His films have inspired millions the world over. J.F.K. is seen as one of the reasons why so many conspiracy theories float around the president’s assassination.

The question of Stone’s legacy isn’t one for me to answer. It’s a question for our society to decide.