INNOCENT until proven guilty – that has always been a principle on which our justice system is based, but it's far from the case when it comes to public perception, especially nowadays when allegations spread like wildfire on social media.

Malvern Theatres has been asked to cancel the performances of Thriller Live – a Michael Jackson tribute show – scheduled for June following new accusations that the late musician sexually abused boys; claims made by two alleged victims in the documentary Leaving Neverland which was broadcast this week.

I am in no position to judge whether or not Jackson did abuse the boys so I will not comment on his guilt or innocence, but will say that, if true, the crimes he committed were sickening and would rightly destroy his legacy.

However, I will also say that it's unfair to assume that he committed the offences and subsequently start tearing down his musical legacy until there is some kind of legal verdict on the allegations.

We must remember that Jackson was cleared of similar allegations following a lengthy trial in 2005, and we must remember the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' regarding these new accusations.

For that reason, I do not think that Malvern Theatres should cancel the Thriller Live performances.

Of course, Jackson died in 2009 and so will never stand trial for these new allegations, but there is talk of some kind of legal hearing where the evidence for and against him is presented and a decision is made on his guilt. If that was to happen, and Jackson was found guilty, that would be the appropriate time to cancel shows such as Thriller Live and stop playing his music.