Violette Morris (1893–1944) was a French athlete and controversial figure known for her remarkable sporting achievements and tumultuous personal life. Despite her athletic prowess, Morris faced scrutiny and discrimination due to her unconventional lifestyle and behavior. She excelled in various sports, including football, boxing, cycling, and motor racing, earning accolades and championships in multiple disciplines. Her bold and non-conformist approach to life, characterized by her preference for men's attire, smoking, and a confrontational attitude, often clashed with societal norms of the time.Morris's career took a dark turn during World War II when she aligned herself with the Nazi regime and the Vichy France government, earning the notorious moniker "Hyena of the Gestapo." This collaboration ultimately led to her demise at the hands of the French Resistance. Despite her controversial actions, Morris maintained associations with prominent individuals, including entertainers like Josephine Baker and esteemed intellectuals such as Jean Cocteau.Throughout her life, Morris constantly challenged traditional gender roles, confronting societal expectations and facing repercussions as a result. Her complex and multifaceted existence continues to intrigue and provoke discussions about gender, identity, and personal freedom. Despite the controversies surrounding her, Violette Morris left an indelible mark on the world of sports and society at large, sparking debates and reflections on individuality, acceptance, and the complexities of human nature.

Violette Leduc (7 April 1907 – 28 May 1972) was a celebrated French writer known for her profound exploration of sexuality, relationships, and personal struggles. Born in Arras, France, she faced a challenging childhood, marked by poor self-esteem and a tumultuous relationship with her mother. Leduc's education was interrupted by World War I, but she later found solace and inspiration in literature, developing a passion for Russian classics and French writers. Her personal life was equally tumultuous, marked by love affairs, a failed marriage, and a near-fatal pregnancy. However, it was her friendship and mentorship with Simone de Beauvoir that shaped her literary career. Leduc's groundbreaking works, including "L'Asphyxie" and "La Bâtarde," garnered critical acclaim, earning praise from literary luminaries such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. Despite facing censorship and controversy, her unapologetic exploration of taboo subjects cemented her legacy as a fearless and influential writer. Leduc's life and work have been immortalized in the biographical drama film "Violette" and continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Her profound impact on literature and her fearless representation of female sexuality and identity continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.